The UN Secretary General’s Advisor on Libya, Stephanie Williams, discussed with the presidential candidate, Aqila Saleh, latest developments in setting a new date for presidential and parliamentary elections.
Williams said on Twitter she met with registered Presidential Candidate, Aqila Saleh in Al-Quba and welcomed his commitment for the continuation of the electoral process, including the need for all candidates to respect a level playing field.
Saleh’s media office said the meeting discussed the challenges facing the High National Elections Commission and the right of Libyans to hold democratic elections.
Williams added that she had met with several presidential candidates to push the vote forward so Libyans can decide on their future, posting photos of her meetings with candidates like Ahmed Maiteeq, Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah, Fathi Bashagha and others.
In a related development, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi expressed his hope for political consultations to resume in Libya and for setting a new date for elections.
Draghi said this at the end-of-year press conference that Italy and Europe have accompanied the democratic process in Libya and will continue their support, adding that the failure to hold the elections was due to “Libyan institutional complexities.”
The Italian PM also acknowledged the UN and EU commitment to help Libya establish humanitarian corridors and help return irregular migrants to their countries.