Luanda:The State Council has declared Law No. (4) of 2026 unconstitutional, emphasizing the necessity for a consensus-driven approach to election laws. This decision highlights concerns over amendments to Law No. (28) of 2023, which governs presidential elections, as these changes allegedly contravene established election procedures.
According to the Libyan News Agency, the Council's statement stressed that conducting presidential and parliamentary elections is crucial for the country's stability. However, it insists that the process must align with a constitutionally sound framework, ensuring that election rules and outcomes are widely accepted by national institutions.
The Council cited the 13th Constitutional Amendment, which established a cooperative approach between the House of Representatives and the High Council of State through a committee responsible for drafting referendum and election laws. The roadmap from June 18, 2026, further supports simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections based on the existing framework. The Council clarified that its rejection of amendments is not to delay elections but to ensure any changes are made through a transparent and agreed-upon process.
The Council also referred to the "4+4" meeting agreement on August 30 concerning election frameworks and the restructuring of the High National Elections Commission. It noted that the UN mission confirmed the agreement was submitted to both the House of Representatives and the High Council of State for approval. The Council remains committed to ensuring elections are free, fair, and transparent, and insists on respecting the constitutional path for electoral legislation.
The Council urged the House of Representatives to finalize consultations on the electoral framework and called on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya to maintain its facilitating role without overstepping institutional processes.
In its conclusion, the Council expressed willingness to engage in dialogue to establish stable electoral rules and a unified executive authority. It emphasized that disputes over procedural rules should not overshadow the ultimate goal of achieving elections that meet the aspirations of Libyans, backed by a robust legal framework that ensures their legitimacy and results.