The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has issued a warning regarding the sharpening divide between the House of Representatives (HoR) and the High Council of State (HCS) over the leadership of the High National Elections Commission (HNEC). The Mission expressed grave concern that unilateral actions—specifically the HCS’s move to restructure the commission’s board without consensus—could trigger a fresh institutional split. This escalation follows a persistent failure to reach an agreement on the commission’s governance since the August 2025 roadmap was launched.
UNSMIL held both chambers accountable for any future disruption to the HNEC, describing it as one of the few remaining unified institutions that has demonstrated technical proficiency, most recently in municipal elections. While calling for the HNEC to remain strictly neutral, the Mission affirmed its continued cooperation with the current board to ensure progress toward national presidential and legislative elections.
Naeima al-Hami condemns UN mission’s “disappointing” stance on electoral commission
The High Council of State reacted with sharp criticism toward the UN statement, dismissing it as inaccurate and biased. The HCS defended its decision as a constitutional prerogative and accused the Mission of “double standards” for failing to challenge similar unilateral moves previously made by the HoR. The Council urged the UN to maintain its role as an impartial facilitator and respect Libya’s national sovereignty.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aguila Saleh, voiced strong support for the current HNEC leadership under Emad al-Sayeh, stating there is no practical reason for a change. Saleh accused the HCS President, Mohamed Takala, of obstructing a resolution to the crisis. He further alleged that the HCS and the Presidential Council are under the undue influence of the Government of National Unity, a dynamic he claims is complicating the political landscape and stalling a comprehensive settlement.
UN mission warns against political interference in Libya’s electoral commission
This escalating dispute over the High National Elections Commission underscores the profound political and institutional crisis gripping Libya. It heightens fears that persistent internal friction could undermine one of the last remaining institutions to retain both domestic and international trust, ultimately threatening the viability of the country’s upcoming electoral milestone.