U.N. mission proposes new options to break Libya election deadlock

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has concluded a set of proposals aimed at resolving the impasse in the country’s electoral process, according to Reuters.

An advisory committee within UNSMIL developed the recommendations to help pave the way for long-delayed national elections. "The Committee's options will be a valuable step toward building political consensus, holding national elections, and unifying state institutions—key measures to end division and the ongoing transitional period," the Mission stated.

Libya’s planned December 2021 elections collapsed due to disputes between the country’s rival governments regarding candidate eligibility. The eastern-based administration in Benghazi continues to challenge the legitimacy of the U.N.-recognized government in Tripoli.

UNSMIL is now expected to initiate dialogue with both governments using the newly developed options in an effort to restart the electoral process.