— Libya failed to hold its first presidential election as planned this month, a major blow to international efforts to end a decade of chaos in the oil-rich Mediterranean country. The planned vote was the lynchpin of international peace efforts, and major regional and international powers had for months pushed for it to take place as scheduled. Mistrust deepened when lawmakers decided to hold parliamentary elections a month after the planned Dec. 24 presidential vote, rather than simultaneously. Major Western governments have called for the government to remain in power until “prompt” parliamentary and presidential elections are held. But it’s not clear when or if the factions can resolve the disputes that led to the failure to hold the vote as planned.

Source: Libya Today December 29, 2021 21:38 UTC