Fozwi Al-Nuwairi, the First Deputy Speaker of Libya's House of Representatives, has urged members to uphold the law and internal regulations, maintaining unity within the legislative institution. This appeal comes amid controversy surrounding a session held on Monday, led by the Second Deputy Speaker, Mashbash Domah, which involved voting on the adoption of a parliamentary term to precede the election of a new leadership bureau.
Al-Nuwairi expressed his concerns in a statement posted on his Facebook page, emphasizing his respect for all colleagues and their right to demand reform and improved council performance, provided it is done within legal and regulatory frameworks. He noted that the council speaker had previously called for a session on Tuesday to discuss amendments to the internal regulations and approve the parliamentary term.
According to Al-Nuwairi, the cancellation of the scheduled session necessitates adherence to legal procedures, stressing that any meeting whose outcomes do not meet the required conditions for quorum and legal majority cannot be considered decisions of the House of Representatives. He also voiced support for reforming internal regulations and enhancing oversight and accountability tools.
Al-Nuwairi emphasized that commitment to the law is a shared responsibility among the council's leadership and members, and that reform should not justify bypassing procedures. He called on representatives to address differences within the legislative institution and focus efforts on unifying state institutions, improving citizen conditions, and creating a conducive environment for elections.
Reviewing the political landscape since the 2014 election of the House of Representatives, Al-Nuwairi highlighted Libya's struggles with conflicts, divisions, and foreign interventions. He referenced the Skhirat agreement, ceasefire, formation of a unified executive authority, and the stalled elections, culminating in renewed divisions.
Al-Nuwairi pointed out that past experiences have shown that Libyan citizens bear the brunt of political disagreements, underscoring that state-building requires respect for the law and unity of its institutions. He warned that ongoing divisions within state institutions, coupled with security, political, and economic challenges, make preserving the unity of the House of Representatives a heightened national responsibility.
Ultimately, Al-Nuwairi cautioned against steps that might exacerbate divisions within the legislative institution, emphasizing the need for collective action to overcome current obstacles and ensure the progression of the country's political process.
Key points
- Al-Nuwairi calls for unity and adherence to law within Libya's House of Representatives.
- The dispute arises from a session led by the Second Deputy Speaker, Mashbash Domah.
- Al-Nuwairi emphasizes the importance of reform and unity to address citizen needs and facilitate elections.