Libyan cleric calls for selections to resolve political conflict

A member of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, Dr Ali Muhammad Al-Sallabi called on political parties in Libya to hold a general election that allows the people to choose their leaders after reconciliation efforts collapsed.

In remarks to Quds Press, Al-Sallabi pointed out that biased solutions will not achieve the desired stability, stressing that since everyone claims to speak on behalf of the Libyan people, the quickest way to resolve the Libyan conflict is to allow the people to choose their leaders.

“Since international efforts have failed to convince the Libyan political parties to agree on a solution, it seems that the shortest route to put an end to the bloodshed and to protect Libya is by turning to the Libyan people through direct elections in October to allow them to freely choose their next leader,” he said adding that “since everyone claims to speak on behalf of the Libyan people, then the Libyan people should be asked without international pressure.”

Al-Sallabi called on tribal elders and rebels in Libya to help calm the situation and reconcile difference among the Libyan people similar to their efforts in Warshefanah, Janzur, Misrata and other cities, to save Libyan blood and provide the appropriate atmosphere for the elections in security and stability.

He added: “I invite the United Nations envoy to Libya as well as members of parliament and the General National Conference who participated in the dialogue to embark on a road map that leads to fair elections instead of wasting time and effort and manipulating the Libyans’ feelings in preparation to invade their country under the pretext of combating terrorism.”

Al-Sallabi stressed that an elected parliament will be able to fight terrorism and illegal immigration and build security institutions.