Tripoli, Libya – Dozens of protesters gathered today in front of the headquarters of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) in Tripoli. They demanded immediate presidential and parliamentary elections and an end to the political deadlock and institutional division that has plagued the country for years.
The protesters chanted slogans calling for respect for the will of the Libyan people and for expediting the electoral process without further delay. They argued that the continuation of the current transitional phase exacerbates the economic and living crises and increases security instability.
Participants in the protest emphasized that UNSMIL bears a moral and political responsibility. They asserted that the mission must support holding elections as soon as possible and exert real pressure on the conflicting political parties. A consensus must be reached to ensure that the elections are conducted transparently and fairly.
For its part, UN sources emphasized that the mission is continuing its contacts with various Libyan parties to advance the political process. It is also working to create the necessary legal and security conditions for holding elections. The UN affirmed its support for any path leading to lasting stability that reflects the aspirations of the Libyan people.
These protests come at a time when Libya is experiencing a political deadlock. This is happening amidst growing popular demands to end the successive transitional phases. Resorting to the ballot box is considered the only solution for restoring legitimacy and building state institutions.
