In an analytical review for Almanassa, Dr Jazia Sheitir, Professor of Criminal Law at the University of Benghazi and member of the Advisory Committee, has examined the defining political shifts in Libya throughout 2025. Sheitir observed that the year was characterised by executive paralysis as the rivalry persisted between the Government of National Unity in Tripoli and the Government of National Stability in Benghazi, thwarting all attempts to establish a unified administration, including a parliamentary proposal in February to oversee national polls.
Despite the political impasse, Sheitir identified the successful organisation of local municipal elections across dozens of districts—culminating in the recent Benghazi polls—as the year’s most significant achievement. She also noted a surge in domestic and international pressure during the final quarter to resolve the crisis surrounding “sovereign positions.” This resulted in the resolution of the Central Bank impasse and the House of Representatives’ recent move to complete appointments to the High National Elections Commission in an effort to break the stalemate.
Regarding reconciliation and the judiciary, Sheitir highlighted the June announcement by the parliament-appointed government that it was nearing the implementation of a “Comprehensive National Reconciliation Charter,” alongside the commencement of reparations. However, she warned of a new legal entanglement that emerged in November, following conflicting rulings between the Supreme Court’s Constitutional Chamber and the Constitutional Court over the validity of laws passed by parliament—a clash that has further complicated the political landscape.
On the international front, Sheitir praised the mediation efforts of the UN envoy, Hanna Tetteh, specifically the launch of the “structured dialogue” aimed at securing a consensus on a constitutional basis for elections. She also drew attention to a landmark human rights development in May, when the Government of National Unity formally accepted the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate crimes committed in Libya until 2027, marking a significant step toward international accountability.