US expresses 'disappointment' over delayed presidential election in Libya

The US ambassador to Libya on Wednesday voiced "disappointment" at the delay of Friday's planned election and said, "work towards elections should be a priority in line with strong public desires".

The ambassador added in a statement on social media that Libyan leaders "should expeditiously address all legal and political obstacles to hold elections, including finalising the list of presidential candidates". 

Libya's parliament said Friday's planned presidential election would not go ahead and did not name a new date, leaving the internationally-backed peace process in chaos and the fate of the interim government in doubt.

It was the first official announcement of a delay, which had been widely expected amid ongoing disputes over the rules.

With major mobilisations in Tripoli and other western areas by armed groups, the collapse of the electoral process risks aggravating local disputes and triggering a new round of violence in the country plagued by conflict for years. 

Libya's presidential election - scheduled for Friday - has been officially delayed. A new date for the vote has not been announced. https://t.co/NUvsD5CKP6

— The New Arab (@The_NewArab) December 22, 2021