Libya polls likely to be delayed amid persistent instability

Country has not yet passed election law detailing system that would be used – analyst

militias that benefit from the current instability.

The powerful anti-Islamist General Khalifa Haftar, who heads the government based in the east, in Tobruk, said in late December he would support elections in 2018 to bring the country out of chaos, but suggested he could take measures if efforts for “a peaceful power transition via free and democratic elections were exhausted”. Namane noted: “Haftar endorsed the elections to maintain his legitimacy both inside Libya and internationally. However, the LNA’s commitment to respect the outcome of the elections depends on two conditions: A defeat of Libyan Islamists and Haftar’s election as president. He and his support base will not accept an election outcome that would bring to power a Muslim Brotherhood-linked figure.”

Curtailing militias’ powers

Asked what could be done to curtail the power of the militias, Namane said, “Egypt has attempted to mediate between the LNA and Misrata’s military council. However, there has been no progress made towards unifying Libya’s armed groups under one military institution. The proliferation of armed groups in Libya is driven by the fragmented political system and competition between parallel state institutions.

“Quelling the power of these groups would require a comprehensive national reconciliation process that would have to be driven by local actors, such as tribes and communities, as well as regional and international powers.”