Libya – Member of Parliament Mohamed Al-Abani said the House of Representatives resumed a previously postponed session to review the so-called “4+4” initiative, following opening remarks by the speaker summarizing the country’s political situation.
Al-Abani stated that the parliament unanimously agreed to take the legislative and constitutional steps necessary to reactivate and formalize the initiative. He explained that the “4+4” paper conflicted with certain existing laws, which would require the repeal, amendment, or addition of legal texts to make it constitutionally enforceable.
Parliament decided to repeal Law No. 27 on electing the National Assembly, citing clear contradictions with Law No. 10 of 2014. It also resolved to amend Law No. 28 on presidential elections, introducing changes to align it with the “4+4” framework. These adjustments would be enacted through official legislation and published in the official gazette.
As an MP, Al-Abani learned from media reports that these legislative changes had already been published in the official gazette. He emphasized that parliament members follow and await official publications like all citizens. He clarified that members’ role is to decide during official sessions, while the speaker or either deputy is responsible for issuing and publishing the laws in the gazette.
Al-Abani distinguished between an MP’s opinion or decision and the distinct responsibilities of the parliament and its leadership. He stressed that all recent parliamentary decisions were unanimous.
Addressing legal debates over legislative quorum, Al-Abani explained that quorum is required only to open a session, not for its continuation or resumption, as the necessary quorum was met at the initial opening.
He insisted that the High Council of State has no authority to restrict the House of Representatives, arguing that the parliament is the country’s only legislative authority under the constitutional declaration. Al-Abani said the Council of State’s appeals to political agreements and Article 15 lacked legal basis, since the political agreement has not yet been enshrined in the constitution.
He added that the thirteenth constitutional amendment established the “6+6” committee, which led to the adoption of Laws 27 and 28. Law 27 was repealed and Law 28 amended in recent committee meetings, which Al-Abani said is within the core responsibilities of parliament.
Asked whether the “4+4” agreement exceeds the mandates of the two chambers until it is signed on August 30, Al-Abani dismissed the suggestion. He said the “4+4” committee’s work was a political act by existing institutions. Such agreements, he argued, gain formal legitimacy only through parliament, which he said has now endorsed the process.
Al-Abani concluded by highlighting the parliament’s flexibility and responsiveness in addressing political deadlock. He said the House must find solutions to the current crises, including adopting the “4+4” committee’s recommendations as a political step toward unifying state institutions—particularly the military—and preparing the country for elections.