Libya failed to hold its first-ever presidential elections on Dec. 24 as scheduled, a major blow to international efforts to end a decade-long chaos in the rich-oil Mediterranean nation. Williams, who led U.N. efforts to end the latest bout of violence in Libya in 2020, said elections are needed in the country to give credence to the country's institutions. Mediated by the U.N., an October 2020 cease-fire led to the formation of a transitional government and scheduled elections for Dec. 24. Al-Sayeh said the commission needs betwen six and eight months to prepare for elections, given the uphill challenges that led to the postponement of Dec. 24 vote. Lawmakers have argued that the mandate of Dbeibah’s government ended on Dec. 24.

Source: Libya Today January 17, 2022 11:17 UTC