Parliament of the Libyan Government of National Accord takes a bold step, amending the constitution to restructure the presidency and uphold referendum laws
UN Welcomes Libyan Parliament’s Amendment of Constitutional Referendum Law
The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) welcomed on Tuesday the eastern-based parliament’s vote with an overwhelming majority on the constitutional referendum law amendment.
In a tweet on Tuesday, UNSMIL said it welcomed “the efforts of the House of Representatives (Parliament) to adopt the necessary legislation to move to the stage of fixed institutions through a referendum on the draft constitution and the holding of general elections.”
It also wished them success in their endeavors.
On Monday, the parliament voted to amend the Constitutional Declaration, a sort of mini-constitution governing power, which makes article six of the referendum law on the country’s permanent constitution irrevocable.
It also approved restructuring the Presidential Council to consist of one president and two deputies instead of the current one, which consists of one president and nine deputies.
Regarding the situation in south Libya, UNSMIL said it had briefed foreign embassies in the country and the international community on the deteriorating situation in Libya’s south.
A mission statement clarified that the briefing discussed the political, social and security dynamics and access to basic services, humanitarian situation in the region and UN support.
During her political briefing, UNSMIL Deputy Head for Political Affairs Stephanie Williams focused on the dire security situation and lack of access to basic services in this resource-rich region.
If left unchecked, the fragility in the south could destabilize all Libya, she said, stressing the need for the international community’s support.
Her statement came as the Sharqiya Municipality in southern Libya confirmed the kidnapping of three of its elders on their return from Umm al-Aranib area at Zwila-Tamsa Road on Monday night.
Mayor Mohammed al-Arabi said he believed that Chadian gangs are behind the kidnapping, pointing out that the fate of the abductees is unclear.
