New Libya Deal Revives Hopes for National Elections

Libya’s rival political factions have welcomed an agreement to restructure the country’s High National Elections Commission and review electoral laws, raising fresh hopes for presidential and parliamentary elections. The deal was signed by the 4+4 Small Dialogue Committee as part of UN-backed efforts to resolve Libya’s prolonged political division. Tripoli-based Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh described the agreement as an important step toward ending transitional rule and restoring legitimacy through elections. Khalifa Haftar, the eastern military commander, also endorsed the agreement, as did his deputy Saddam Haftar and other important figures. The agreement proposes a 24-month timetable for holding presidential and parliamentary elections under a unified executive authority and national institutions. While it represents a rare moment of consensus between Libya’s rival governments, officials cautioned that success will depend on all parties honoring the agreed timeframe.