Since the launch of the UN Action Plan for Libya, on September 20th 2017, my colleagues and I have been working arduously to support Libya to enter a stage of certainty, embodied in a stable, capable and fair state. Libyans say that they are tired of moving from one transition to another. They aspire for an effective state that provides services starting with security to public health and education. This is exactly what the UN Action Plan set out to achieve.
I have also heard from Libyans, across the country, that they are fed up with violence and living in fear. They hope for a political solution, for reconciliation and for harmony. They see the political process as the only path to the stability and the unity of their country. Thus, I urge all parties to heed their voices and refrain from any actions that could undermine the political process.
The Action Plan, in all its stages, was, and still is, meant to prepare the proper conditions for free and fair elections. The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has provided the needed technical support to the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) and is intensively trying to establish the proper political, legislative and security conditions for elections to be held before the end of 2018.
The launch of the voter registration campaign by HNEC is a key step towards that goal. Now, Libyans have to make sure they register so that their voices can be heard and the Libyan leaders should do what is within their power to ensure the success of the electoral process.
Free and fair elections will usher Libya into institutional and political normalcy. It will provide the Libyan people with what they want most - predictable governance, decent living standards and dignity.