Libya: time running out for election framework, says UN envoy

The UN envoy to Libya has pointed out that although the necessary steps have been taken to hold elections in December, an official legal framework is still required. Jan Kubis made his comment at a meeting of Libya’s neighbours in Algeria.

Almost three million citizens are registered to vote in the proposed presidential and legislative elections in Libya. The country has faced armed conflict ever since 2011 when former leader Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown and killed.

The Turkish-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), based in Tripoli, and the Benghazi-based Libyan National Army (LNA) headed by renegade Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar have fought for control of the country.

The two sides took part in UN-led mediation resulting in last October’s ceasefire. An interim government of national unity is in place until the elections.

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