A new political phase appears to be dawning in Libya, as the House of Representatives has opened nominations for the leadership of a new government. The forthcoming administration is intended to replace the Government of National Unity, led by Abdul Hamid Dabaiba, who continues to cling to his duties despite escalating calls for the overthrow of his government during recent mass demonstrations across the country.
12 Candidates present programmes to lawmakers
The House of Representatives has effectively commenced the process of hearing the programmes of the 14 candidates on Tuesday’s session that was dedicated to listening to seven of them: Abdul Karim Muqaiq, Fadil Al-Amin, Abdul Hakim Baayou, Othman Al-Basir, Muhammad Al-Muzoughi, Muhammad Al-Muntaser, and Ali Sassi. On Wednesday, lawmakers continued to hear the programmes of five further candidates: Salama Al-Ghwail, Abdul Basit Muhammad, Essam Abu Zriba, Othman Abdul Jalil, and Nasr Mohammed.
The candidates presented their governmental plans and visions, a preparatory step towards establishing the final criteria for selecting the most suitable figure to lead the forthcoming government.
Favourable Political Climate for Parliamentary Action
Observers contend that the timing of the House of Representatives’ move to open nominations for a new government is exceptionally opportune. This comes specifically amidst the recent security tensions that afflicted Tripoli, followed by a surge in public anger, which manifested in widespread protests that continue to gain momentum. These developments are set against a backdrop of calls for a new demonstration next Friday, aiming to overthrow the Dabaiba government and remove it from the political scene.
Aqila Saleh warns against delay
In his concluding remarks at the session held on Tuesday at its headquarters in Benghazi, the House of Representatives ‘ Counselor Aqila Saleh warned that any delay in fulfilling this entitlement “will lead to chaos and threaten the country’s unity.”
Saleh affirmed that the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections necessitate the presence of a single, unified government to oversee their organisation. He indicated that the parliament has already completed the necessary electoral laws and opened nominations in agreement with the High Council of State, without excluding any candidate.
The House of Representatives highlighted that all candidates have received endorsements from over 100 members, and an equal number from the High Council of State, calling for the submission of documented endorsement lists to ensure transparency and a final review of the files. He also stressed that the formation of the government has become an extremely urgent matter, and any obstruction will lead to dire consequences, primarily threatening Libya’s unity and stability.
This move by the House of Representatives represents a serious step towards forming a new government, especially following the recent mass demonstrations that unanimously demanded the overthrow of the Dabaiba government. The political landscape remains in anticipation of what the near future will hold, particularly with Dabaiba’s continued refusal to relinquish power.