A protest against dictator Muamar Ghaddafi in Bayda, Libya, in July 2011. Photo credit: Wikimedia/ليبي صح (CC0 1.0)
KEY FACTS
Freedom House Rating
Not Free
Government Type
In Transition
Population
6.9 million |
UPCOMING ELECTIONS
Presidential and Parliamentary Elections
December 24, 2021
Local Elections
Ongoing in various places
|
PAST ELECTIONS
Partial Local Elections
March and April 2019
Parliamentary Elections
June 25, 2014 |
National elections in Libya are overdue due to the political crisis and civil war. In November 2020, Libyan stakeholders participating in UN-sponsored talks proposed December 24, 2021 for presidential and parliamentary elections. However, the elections were delayed again shortly before that day, and the date remains uncertain.
Political Context
In 2011, an uprising deposed longtime dictator Muammar el-Qaddafi. Since then, Libya has been in crisis, and is currently in a state of civil war. Two rival (unelected) governments control different parts of the country. The United Nations-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), based in Tripoli, controls the country’s west. Its leader is Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj. al_Sarraj has asked the UN for support to hold elections.
Warlord Khalifa Haftar‘s Libya National Army (LNA), based in Benghazi, controls the east and south.
The House of Representatives (HoR), elected in June 2014, is based in Tobruk in the east. It opposes the GNA, and although it theoretically appointed Haftar as head of the LNA, in practice it exerts little if any control over the LNA.
In potentially good news, the factions announced a ceasefire in August 2020, and stated a desire to hold elections within 18 months. In September, negotiators from both sides agreed to proposed elections in December 2021. Nonetheless, it is unclear when the elections will actually happen.
Protests Gathering Momentum
In the last few months, a protest movement has been growing. Citizens are demanding elections, among other things. For example, a new protest group called Harak Al-Shabab 23/08 organized demonstrations in August in several cities (and faced a crackdown). Their demands included conducting elections, and better governance and accountability in general. Other groups have demonstrated for the ouster of both Haftar and the GNA. As a result, Haftar’s government submitted its resignation in September, and al-Sarraj has indicated that his government will resign as well.
The Upcoming Elections
The two frontrunners in the upcoming presidential election are Haftar and Saif al-Qaddafi, son of the former dictator. International actors have urged the country to hold the elections by June 2022.
Ongoing Local Elections
Various cities have been holding local elections, following the demands of citizens.
Geopolitical Context
Russia and Turkey, which each back a different faction, took the lead on January 2020 ceasefire negotiations. However, some have criticized their handling of the situation and believe that they are impeding, rather than encouraging, progress.
Curated News and Analysis
Samy Magdy, AP (January 17, 2022): UN official: Libya elections could be rescheduled for JuneUN official: Libya elections could be rescheduled for June
Anchal Vohra, Foreign Policy (January 4, 2022): Elections Can’t Fix What’s Wrong With Libya
Al Jazeera (December 27, 2021): Libyan parliament refuses to fix date for delayed elections
Ahmed Elumami and Stephanie van den Berg, Reuters (December 13, 2021): In Libya, Gaddafi leadership bid opens old wounds
Daily Sabah (November 21, 2021): 24 to run in Libyan elections as obstacles, divisions persist
Richard Spencer, Times of London (November 8, 2021): Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar may recognise Israel for election support
Al Jazeera (September 22, 2021): Libya: Haftar stands down from military role before polls: Libyan media said move paves way for Haftar to run for president under controversial new law.
The Arab Weekly (September 21, 2021): Unsure of Libya’s upcoming presidential elections, Islamists prefer to delay them
Ilya Barabanov and Nader Ibrahim, BBC (August 11, 2021): Wagner: Scale of Russian mercenary mission in Libya exposed
Robert F. Worth and Jehad Nga, New York Times (July 30, 2021 – with photo essay): Qaddafi’s Son Is Alive. And He Wants to Take Libya Back.
Alessandra Bocchi, Wall Street Journal (July 13, 2021): Biden Can Make Up for Obama’s Libya Neglect: A diplomatic push for fair elections in December would serve U.S. interests.
Abdulkader Assad, Libya Observer (July 3, 2021): Haftar threatens to “liberate Tripoli again” if Libyan elections fail
Patrick Wintour, The Guardian (June 23, 2021): Libya talks set December date for national elections
Patrick Wintour, The Guardian (June 23, 2021): EU warns anyone judged to be delaying Libya elections will risk sanctions
Rym Momtaz, Politico (June 16, 2021): Macron pitches Biden on plan to get foreign fighters out of Libya
Wolfgang Pusztai, Atlantic Council (June 4, 2021): Libya’s fragile ceasefire: A lost opportunity?
Dorian Jones, Voice of America (May 25, 2021): Turkey Under Fire Over Military Presence in Libya
Missy Ryan, Washington Post (May 10, 2021): U.S. appointment of Libya envoy signals intensified push to end post-revolution instability
Missy Ryan, Washington Post (May 10, 2021): U.S. appointment of Libya envoy signals intensified push to end post-revolution instability
Zehra Nur Düz, Andalou Agency (May 5, 2021): UN envoy for Libya submits proposal on elections to forum
Mary Fitzgerald, World Politics Review (May 3, 2021): Peace in Libya Will Require More Than Elections
Safa Alharathy, Libya Observer (April 28, 2021): Five major countries stress importance to stick to date of elections and withdrawing mercenaries from Libya
Brian McQuinn, The Conversation (March 22, 2021): Ten years after the Arab Spring, Libya has another chance for peace
TRT World (February 16, 2021): 10 years after Arab Spring, Libya hopes for fair elections
Sasha Toperich, The Hill (February 15, 2021): Libya’s new interim government pressed hard to deliver national elections
Barbara Bibbo, Al Jazeera (February 6, 2021): Libya’s tortuous path towards a constitution and elections
Patrick Wintour, The Guardian (January 20, 2021): ‘Kleptocrats’ will try to block Libya elections, says UN envoy
Enes Canli, Andalou Agency (November 13, 2020): Libyan parties agree to hold elections on Dec. 24, 2021
Patrick Wintour, The Guardian (October 5, 2020): Turkey and Russia’s deepening roles in Libya complicate peace efforts
Rabia Golden, Libya Observer (October 4, 2020): Over 30 municipalities are due for council elections before the end of this year
Shahed Ezaydi, openDemocracy (September 29, 2020): What exactly is happening in Libya?
Al Jazeera (September 14, 2020): Libya’s eastern-based government resigns amid protests
AP (September 24, 2020): Libyan leader asks for UN support in elections
Edward Yeranian, VOA (September 17, 2020): Libya’s UN-backed Prime Minister ‘Ready to Step Down’ if New Leader Chosen
Jeffrey Feltman, Brookings Institution (September 11, 2020): Washington can seize a pinprick of light in Libya
Kali Robinson, Council on Foreign Relations (June 18, 2020): Who’s Who in Libya’s War?
The Economist (January 23, 2020): Khalifa Haftar, the Libyan warlord, is not interested in compromise
21votes does not necessarily agree with all of the opinions expressed in the linked articles; rather, our goal is to curate a wide range of voices. Furthermore, none of the individuals or organizations referenced have reviewed 21votes’ content, and their inclusion should not be taken to imply that they endorse us in any way. More on our approach here.
Updated January 16, 2022
Libya Presidential and Parliamentary Elections: Postponed (will possibly take place in June 2022)
Leave a Comment
Last Updated: January 18, 2022 by 21votes
A protest against dictator Muamar Ghaddafi in Bayda, Libya, in July 2011. Photo credit: Wikimedia/ليبي صح (CC0 1.0)
Freedom House Rating
Not Free
Government Type
In Transition
Population
6.9 million
Presidential and Parliamentary Elections
December 24, 2021
Local Elections
Ongoing in various places
Partial Local Elections
March and April 2019
Parliamentary Elections
June 25, 2014
National elections in Libya are overdue due to the political crisis and civil war. In November 2020, Libyan stakeholders participating in UN-sponsored talks proposed December 24, 2021 for presidential and parliamentary elections. However, the elections were delayed again shortly before that day, and the date remains uncertain.
Political Context
In 2011, an uprising deposed longtime dictator Muammar el-Qaddafi. Since then, Libya has been in crisis, and is currently in a state of civil war. Two rival (unelected) governments control different parts of the country. The United Nations-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), based in Tripoli, controls the country’s west. Its leader is Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj. al_Sarraj has asked the UN for support to hold elections.
Warlord Khalifa Haftar‘s Libya National Army (LNA), based in Benghazi, controls the east and south.
The House of Representatives (HoR), elected in June 2014, is based in Tobruk in the east. It opposes the GNA, and although it theoretically appointed Haftar as head of the LNA, in practice it exerts little if any control over the LNA.
In potentially good news, the factions announced a ceasefire in August 2020, and stated a desire to hold elections within 18 months. In September, negotiators from both sides agreed to proposed elections in December 2021. Nonetheless, it is unclear when the elections will actually happen.
Protests Gathering Momentum
In the last few months, a protest movement has been growing. Citizens are demanding elections, among other things. For example, a new protest group called Harak Al-Shabab 23/08 organized demonstrations in August in several cities (and faced a crackdown). Their demands included conducting elections, and better governance and accountability in general. Other groups have demonstrated for the ouster of both Haftar and the GNA. As a result, Haftar’s government submitted its resignation in September, and al-Sarraj has indicated that his government will resign as well.
The Upcoming Elections
The two frontrunners in the upcoming presidential election are Haftar and Saif al-Qaddafi, son of the former dictator. International actors have urged the country to hold the elections by June 2022.
Ongoing Local Elections
Various cities have been holding local elections, following the demands of citizens.
Geopolitical Context
Russia and Turkey, which each back a different faction, took the lead on January 2020 ceasefire negotiations. However, some have criticized their handling of the situation and believe that they are impeding, rather than encouraging, progress.
Curated News and Analysis
Samy Magdy, AP (January 17, 2022): UN official: Libya elections could be rescheduled for JuneUN official: Libya elections could be rescheduled for June
Anchal Vohra, Foreign Policy (January 4, 2022): Elections Can’t Fix What’s Wrong With Libya
Al Jazeera (December 27, 2021): Libyan parliament refuses to fix date for delayed elections
Ahmed Elumami and Stephanie van den Berg, Reuters (December 13, 2021): In Libya, Gaddafi leadership bid opens old wounds
Daily Sabah (November 21, 2021): 24 to run in Libyan elections as obstacles, divisions persist
Richard Spencer, Times of London (November 8, 2021): Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar may recognise Israel for election support
Al Jazeera (September 22, 2021): Libya: Haftar stands down from military role before polls: Libyan media said move paves way for Haftar to run for president under controversial new law.
The Arab Weekly (September 21, 2021): Unsure of Libya’s upcoming presidential elections, Islamists prefer to delay them
Ilya Barabanov and Nader Ibrahim, BBC (August 11, 2021): Wagner: Scale of Russian mercenary mission in Libya exposed
Robert F. Worth and Jehad Nga, New York Times (July 30, 2021 – with photo essay): Qaddafi’s Son Is Alive. And He Wants to Take Libya Back.
Alessandra Bocchi, Wall Street Journal (July 13, 2021): Biden Can Make Up for Obama’s Libya Neglect: A diplomatic push for fair elections in December would serve U.S. interests.
Abdulkader Assad, Libya Observer (July 3, 2021): Haftar threatens to “liberate Tripoli again” if Libyan elections fail
Patrick Wintour, The Guardian (June 23, 2021): Libya talks set December date for national elections
Patrick Wintour, The Guardian (June 23, 2021): EU warns anyone judged to be delaying Libya elections will risk sanctions
Rym Momtaz, Politico (June 16, 2021): Macron pitches Biden on plan to get foreign fighters out of Libya
Wolfgang Pusztai, Atlantic Council (June 4, 2021): Libya’s fragile ceasefire: A lost opportunity?
Dorian Jones, Voice of America (May 25, 2021): Turkey Under Fire Over Military Presence in Libya
Missy Ryan, Washington Post (May 10, 2021): U.S. appointment of Libya envoy signals intensified push to end post-revolution instability
Missy Ryan, Washington Post (May 10, 2021): U.S. appointment of Libya envoy signals intensified push to end post-revolution instability
Zehra Nur Düz, Andalou Agency (May 5, 2021): UN envoy for Libya submits proposal on elections to forum
Mary Fitzgerald, World Politics Review (May 3, 2021): Peace in Libya Will Require More Than Elections
Safa Alharathy, Libya Observer (April 28, 2021): Five major countries stress importance to stick to date of elections and withdrawing mercenaries from Libya
Brian McQuinn, The Conversation (March 22, 2021): Ten years after the Arab Spring, Libya has another chance for peace
TRT World (February 16, 2021): 10 years after Arab Spring, Libya hopes for fair elections
Sasha Toperich, The Hill (February 15, 2021): Libya’s new interim government pressed hard to deliver national elections
Barbara Bibbo, Al Jazeera (February 6, 2021): Libya’s tortuous path towards a constitution and elections
Patrick Wintour, The Guardian (January 20, 2021): ‘Kleptocrats’ will try to block Libya elections, says UN envoy
Enes Canli, Andalou Agency (November 13, 2020): Libyan parties agree to hold elections on Dec. 24, 2021
Patrick Wintour, The Guardian (October 5, 2020): Turkey and Russia’s deepening roles in Libya complicate peace efforts
Rabia Golden, Libya Observer (October 4, 2020): Over 30 municipalities are due for council elections before the end of this year
Shahed Ezaydi, openDemocracy (September 29, 2020): What exactly is happening in Libya?
Al Jazeera (September 14, 2020): Libya’s eastern-based government resigns amid protests
AP (September 24, 2020): Libyan leader asks for UN support in elections
Edward Yeranian, VOA (September 17, 2020): Libya’s UN-backed Prime Minister ‘Ready to Step Down’ if New Leader Chosen
Jeffrey Feltman, Brookings Institution (September 11, 2020): Washington can seize a pinprick of light in Libya
Kali Robinson, Council on Foreign Relations (June 18, 2020): Who’s Who in Libya’s War?
The Economist (January 23, 2020): Khalifa Haftar, the Libyan warlord, is not interested in compromise
21votes does not necessarily agree with all of the opinions expressed in the linked articles; rather, our goal is to curate a wide range of voices. Furthermore, none of the individuals or organizations referenced have reviewed 21votes’ content, and their inclusion should not be taken to imply that they endorse us in any way. More on our approach here.
Updated January 16, 2022
Category: Overview Tags: Libya