The Libyan High Council of State has reaffirmed its dedication to conducting presidential and parliamentary elections, stressing the need for a solid constitutional and legal foundation that garners acceptance from national institutions and forces. In a statement, the council expressed its stance on Law No. 4 of 2026, which amends certain provisions of Law No. 28 of 2023 related to the election of the country's president. The council deems this law "unconstitutional."
The council highlighted that the 13th constitutional amendment established a participatory process between the House of Representatives and the High Council of State through the "6+6" committee to prepare laws organizing the referendum and elections. The council noted that the roadmap adopted by the heads of the House of Representatives, the High Council of State, and the Presidential Council on June 18, 2026, stipulated the simultaneous conduct of presidential and parliamentary elections based on the existing electoral framework.
The High Council of State emphasized that its position is not driven by a refusal to amend electoral laws or a desire to delay elections. Instead, it insists that substantial changes to electoral competition rules, conditions, and deadlines must be made through an agreed-upon institutional process. This, the council argues, will prevent electoral rules from becoming a new source of conflict.
Regarding the outcomes of the "4+4" mini-committee, the council stated that the understandings reached on several matters related to the electoral framework and the reconstitution of the electoral commission remain political understandings that require completion of their institutional and legal process. The council referenced the United Nations Support Mission in Libya's previous affirmation that the agreement was referred to the heads of the House of Representatives and the High Council of State for approval.
The council underscored its commitment to the right of Libyans to choose their authorities through free, fair, transparent, and accountable elections. It called for a legal electoral framework that enjoys the broadest possible consensus, protects elections, and shields their outcomes from disputes over legitimacy. The council invited the House of Representatives to complete institutional consultations on the electoral framework and urged the UN mission to play a facilitation role.
The High Council of State expressed its readiness to engage in any serious and responsible dialogue that leads to stable and agreed-upon electoral rules, a unified executive authority, and elections that contribute to ending the transitional phase. The council's statement reflects its determination to uphold the principles of democracy and the rule of law in Libya.
The council's insistence on an institutional consensus for electoral law amendments comes amid ongoing efforts to stabilize Libya's political process. The situation requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders to ensure that the country's electoral processes are free, fair, and in line with international standards and Libyan laws.
Key points
- The Libyan High Council of State rejects amendments to electoral laws that are not based on a constitutional and legal foundation.
- The council emphasizes the need for an agreed-upon institutional process for substantial changes to electoral rules.
- The Libyan people have the right to choose their authorities through free, fair, transparent, and accountable elections.
