A significant development is underway in Libya's House of Representatives, with dozens of lawmakers calling for reforms and a potential change in leadership. According to sources, around 65 to 86 members met with Khalifa Haftar, the commander of the Libyan National Army, in Benghazi on October 1. The discussions focused on amending the internal regulations and reorganizing the council's work, including the possibility of electing a new leadership.
The move comes after weeks of internal conflicts within the House of Representatives. Many lawmakers have been demanding changes to the internal regulations before the council resumes its regular work. In September, 86 members were reportedly prevented from entering the council's premises to attend a session dedicated to discussing reforms and amending the internal regulations.
The current speaker, Aguila Saleh, has been in office since 2014. The recent developments suggest that his leadership may be challenged if the lawmakers succeed in passing the required amendments and holding a new election. Saleh had previously expressed support for the 4+4 committee's proposal, calling for a unified government to oversee the presidential and parliamentary elections.
Following the meeting with Haftar, member of the House of Representatives, Essam Al-Jahani, stated that the parties had reached an agreement to support the unification of the council, amend its internal regulations, and choose a new leadership. Haftar reportedly emphasized the importance of uniting efforts and ending the division within institutions, while also supporting the role of the House of Representatives and the outcomes of the 4+4 committee.
Attention is now focused on the upcoming session of the House of Representatives, which has not yet been scheduled. It remains to be seen whether the council will be able to pass the amendments to the internal regulations and pave the way for a new leadership election. The internal divisions and the connection to the 4+4 committee's efforts and election preparations add complexity to the situation.
The potential change in leadership has become a central aspect of the struggle for the council's future and its role in the political process. The developments also highlight the ongoing divisions within the council regarding the mechanism for holding sessions and setting agendas. Lawmakers pushing for reforms remain committed to reorganizing the institution before proceeding with new political obligations.
As the situation unfolds, the future of Libya's House of Representatives and its leadership will likely have significant implications for the country's political landscape. The push for reforms and a potential change in leadership may contribute to a more unified and effective council, but the outcome remains uncertain.
Key points
- Dozens of Libyan lawmakers are pushing for reforms and a potential change in leadership of the House of Representatives.
- The current speaker, Aguila Saleh, has been in office since 2014 and may face a challenge to his leadership.
- The developments are connected to the efforts of the 4+4 committee and the preparations for the upcoming elections.
