Mahmoud Al-Barasi, Chairman of the Civil Society Commission, called for the immediate empowerment of the Libyan people to choose their leadership through “free, transparent, and fair” presidential elections. Speaking on Friday at the platform of the National Movement Demonstration in Benghazi, Al-Barasi stressed that these polls must be subject to rigorous local and international monitoring to guarantee the integrity of the process and its outcomes.
Al-Barasi asserted that tens of thousands had rallied in Benghazi and various other cities, unified in their demand to terminate the decade-long division. This extended period, he noted, has been marked by a cascade of crises, the squandering of national wealth, and a severe deterioration of stability. He emphasised that the Libyan people have paid the price and continue to await a new, legitimate authority capable of guiding the country towards security, reconstruction, and development.
Al-Barasi articulated four fundamental demands:
1. The immediate conduct of Libyan state presidential elections without any postponement.
2. Ensuring the right of every legally qualified Libyan citizen to participate, and respecting their right to express their will.
3. An absolute rejection of any procrastination or delay that would prolong the current state of chaos and division.
4. Calling upon all local and international parties to support the path toward electing the head of state, while categorically rejecting any interference in the people’s will.
