At the opening session of the structured dialogue held today in Tripoli, the United Nations mission in Libya presented the results of its public consultations conducted over recent months, aimed at identifying Libyans’ priorities on political, economic, security, and social issues. The consultations included in‑person meetings in major cities such as Tripoli, Benghazi, Misrata, Zawiya, Nalut, and Zintan, as well as with representatives from the south in Sabha, Murzuq, Ghat, Jufra, Ubari, and Qatrun. The mission also engaged municipalities, political parties, social councils, civil society organizations, youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
Beyond direct meetings, the process involved youth‑specific consultations, online opinion surveys to capture citizens’ priorities and concerns, monitoring of social media platforms, and the collection of written proposals from institutions and individuals.
According to the mission, Libya’s core crisis is political, rooted in institutional and regional fragmentation and the absence of a unified executive authority with national legitimacy. This division has undermined the economy, security, and governance. Online surveys revealed that 86% of respondents were ready to vote if national elections were held tomorrow, while more than 70% believed their participation could influence decision‑making.
Findings emphasized that unifying institutions is the essential entry point for any settlement. This includes establishing a single recognized government, a unified budget, and consolidated central bank, military, and security institutions. Elections were seen not as a separate issue but as the cornerstone of governance, requiring credible processes within an agreed constitutional and legal framework.
Priorities for the Next Government
Consultations identified the priorities of the future executive authority as economic stability, provision of basic services, and preparation of a conducive environment for elections. Transparency in leadership selection, stronger local governance and decentralization, and fair representation of women and youth were also highlighted.
Participants linked economic hardship directly to political division, citing rising living costs, weak services, and the depreciation of the national currency. They stressed the need to reduce interference by armed groups in economic institutions, adopt a unified national budget, ensure transparency in the oil sector, diversify the economy, support small and medium enterprises, and guarantee fair resource distribution with comprehensive social protection.
On security, the spread of weapons and armed formations was identified as a major obstacle to elections and lasting peace. Citizens called for disarmament, reintegration, and the incorporation of militias under state authority, alongside building a unified army and security institutions under full civilian control.
The consultations underscored the importance of justice, accountability, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and improved detention conditions. National reconciliation was framed around victim‑centered approaches, including marginalized groups, women, and youth.
Social Group Priorities
– Women: Development of a “Libyan Women’s Charter” to ensure effective participation in legislative, executive, security, and economic institutions, constitutional review to safeguard human rights, and protection of women’s safety in political life.
– Youth: Stronger representation in political dialogue, unification of security and economic institutions, economic opportunities, digital safety, and combating disinformation.
– Persons with Disabilities: A “Charter for Persons with Disabilities” to guarantee their effective representation in all dialogue tracks and decision‑making processes, and inclusion in state policies and programs.
