Rabat – The Egyptian Foreign Ministry has reiterated that the Skhirat Agreement remains the fundamental framework for conducting simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections in Libya. The agreement, initially signed in 2015 by the parties involved in the Libyan crisis in Morocco, has been viewed as the cornerstone of a peaceful resolution of the county’s decade-long crisis.
Egyptian authorities have called for these elections to be held without delay, emphasizing the crucial roles of the House of Representatives and the State Council in the electoral process.
“Cairo affirms the pivotal role of the House of Representatives and the State Council in the accordance with their powers in the Skhirat Agreement in order to meet all the necessary frameworks for holding presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously in Libya as soon as possible,” the Egyptian Foreign Ministry asserted in a statement released on Friday.
The ministry also said that Egypt has consistently supported a Libyan-led solution to the ongoing crisis, respecting the sovereignty and independence of the nation. As preparations for the elections continue, the statement added, Egypt closely monitors the developments and encourages relevant Libyan institutions to work together to ensure a smooth electoral process.
Cairo further urged the international community to respect the will of the Libyan people and to refrain from taking any measures that could bypass the roles of Libyan institutions.
Respecting the Libyan people’s will by refraining from condoning any foreign intervention in the country rekindles hopes of preventing further complications, and this can ensure that Libya achieves its aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous future, the Egyptian statement stressed.
Read also: Skhirat Agreement, ‘Basis And Framework’ of Libya’s Political Process: UN Official
Libya has been grappling with a prolonged period of instability since the 2011 revolution that ousted former leader Muammar Gadaffi.
The Skhirat Agreement signed on December 17, 2015, aimed at establishing a Government of National Accord and providing a roadmap for peace in Libya. However, implementing the agreement has faced challenges leading to political divisions and security concerns in the country.
