IBTISAM AXFIR

Benghazi – For years, Libya has been experiencing deep political divisions and conflicts that directly affect people’s lives. Alongside economic deterioration and rising living costs, there is also a lack of basic services such as electricity, fuel, and gas. This situation comes in addition to the administrative divisions between the east and west. Against this backdrop, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) proposed the formation of a new government aimed at resolving the crisis. However, given the presence of two de facto governments and ongoing political turmoil, significant challenges stand in the way of practical implementation. This raises questions about the feasibility of the proposal and its ability to deliver the desired stability.

Civil activist and political researcher Zahia Saleh shared her views with our agency on Libya’s complex political reality, focusing on UNSMIL’s proposal to establish a new government.

Stating that this proposal would not resolve the current crisis and that elections remain the best path forward, Zahia Saleh also highlighted the vital role of Libyan women at this stage of the country’s political history.

‘The chances of success for a new government are very low’

Zahia Saleh drew attention to the difficulty of implementing UNSMIL’s plan for establishing a new government, stressing that the existence of two separate governments complicates matters: “In the east, there is the Government of Libya, and in the west, the Government of National Unity. Despite long delays, elections offer the greatest opportunity to resolve the crisis, but the chances of success for a new government are very low. Establishing a third government would act in parallel with existing structures, making the political landscape even more complex. This proposal emerged in an atmosphere of street protests, economic collapse, political division, and deep dissatisfaction over poor living conditions in Libya. The prolonged transitional periods since 2011 have raised many questions about the scope, objectives, and realistic solutions to the crisis,” she said.

Zahia Saleh added that what pushed UNSMIL to present this proposal was the political deadlock in Libya: “The constant postponement of elections and the prolongation of the crisis pushed them to try to fix the political situation, but this proposal does not actually provide a radical solution. On the contrary, it tries to appease the conflicting parties, yet these efforts are wasted.” She explained that the new government would be established not through elections but through consensus between parties, while elections remain the true means of granting legitimacy through the people’s will.

‘It serves only to increase tensions’

Zahia Saleh stated that forming a new government in Libya would serve only to increase tensions. Stressing the need to reorganize Libya’s internal affairs, she underlined that the international community has no genuine intention of resolving the crisis due to conflicting interests. The solution, she said, lies in the will of the people and in political parties making concessions toward elections. Noting the complexity of Libya’s political environment and the need for careful consideration, Zahia Saleh remarked: “Throughout Libya, electing legitimate bodies that represent the people’s will and holding every citizen accountable for their choices and decisions will bring radical solutions to the crisis. Presenting election programs to the public will also increase candidates’ responsibilities.”

She recalled that the current government in Libya was formed through elections in 2014, while the 2021 elections, despite being planned, never took place, leaving parliament to continue beyond its mandate. Zahia Saleh explained that the recent failure to hold elections stemmed from the High National Election Commission’s concerns and expectations regarding the security situation in Tripoli. She emphasized that elections are not difficult, but require cooperation among all parties, reminding that Libya had managed to hold elections even during the most difficult periods of its history.

‘Violence and bombings do not meet demands’

Regarding the targeting of UNSMIL headquarters in Tripoli, Zahia Saleh considered the attack random and not reflective of a particular political stance. She noted that the capital is under militia control and that the mission would not withdraw from the country but could instead carry out its tasks from other cities more safely. “The real impact of the mission’s contributions in Libya lies in citizens joining demonstrations, taking to the streets, or expressing their demands through media and digital platforms,” Zahia Saleh said, stressing that violence and bombings do not fulfill these demands.

‘Economic situation negatively affects cultural development’

As Libya inches closer to a political solution, Zahia Saleh pointed out that bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings that undermine security prolong the crisis and complicate the process. She noted that resolving the crisis requires not only elections but also internal reforms, national reconciliation, and tackling economic issues. She underlined that the worsening economic situation negatively impacts cultural development, with citizens focusing on meeting daily needs rather than participating in elections.

‘Libyan women are the foundation of the country’

Zahia Saleh said that the political circles, including Libyan women, are working intensively to discuss the situation and seek solutions through seminars, conferences, and political meetings. As the first woman to win a seat at the United Nations, she drew attention to the importance of women’s representation internationally: “Libyan women are the foundation of the country, and they play a critical role in raising awareness, empowerment, and development. I hope women will return to international platforms such as the Arab League and have an effective role in politics and development.”

Political researcher Zahia Saleh concluded her remarks by pointing to the international role of regional and international federations such as the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Maghreb Union, and the African Union. She also emphasized the importance of Libya’s return to the international stage following its transition from one political system to another.