In a significant development in Libya's ongoing political crisis, the country's parliament has elected a new speaker, Abdelnabi Al-Salah. The election took place on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in Benghazi, with Al-Salah winning the position. This move comes after 12 years of incumbent Speaker Aguila Saleh holding the position since August 2014. The change in leadership may have far-reaching implications for Libya's political landscape.
The election of Al-Salah as the new speaker was preceded by a session that was boycotted by Saleh. Prior to the session, Saleh stated that the previous day's session was "not official and has no legal effect." However, the new leadership has already started to take shape, with Tarik Al-Ashtar elected as the first deputy and Misha'an Duma as the second deputy. This development has sparked mixed reactions, with some lawmakers expressing their dissent.
Ali Abuzriba, a lawmaker from the city of Zawiya, stated that he does not recognize the new leadership, calling on all lawmakers to attend a parliamentary session in Tripoli scheduled for next week. The development has raised questions about the potential impact on Libya's ongoing political crisis and the efforts to achieve a lasting resolution. The international community has been closely watching the developments in Libya, with many countries and organizations calling for a peaceful and inclusive solution.
The new speaker, Abdelnabi Al-Salah, has already started to engage with key stakeholders in Libya. On Friday, October 9, 2026, Al-Salah met with Khalifa Haftar, a prominent military leader, in the city of Rajma. The meeting focused on the need for unity and cooperation among Libya's institutions. The development has sparked hopes that the new leadership may be able to bring about a more cohesive and effective approach to addressing Libya's challenges.
The change in leadership has also sparked reactions from abroad. The Turkish Parliament's speaker, Mustafa Sentop, congratulated Al-Salah on his election as the new speaker of Libya's parliament. The development has also raised questions about the potential implications for Libya's relations with other countries, particularly in the region.
Libya has been embroiled in a protracted political crisis since the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The country has struggled to establish a stable and effective government, with various factions and interests vying for power. The election of a new speaker is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the country's challenges and finding a lasting solution to the crisis.
The international community has been closely watching the developments in Libya, with many countries and organizations calling for a peaceful and inclusive solution. The United Nations and other international actors have been working to support Libya's transition to a more stable and democratic government. The election of a new speaker is seen as a key development in this process, and the international community will be watching closely to see how the new leadership addresses the country's challenges.
Key points
- Abdelnabi Al-Salah elected as new speaker of Libya's parliament
- Incumbent Speaker Aguila Saleh held position for 12 years
- Development sparks mixed reactions, with some lawmakers expressing dissent
