Tripoli – The High National Elections Commission issued a statement on Sunday. It affirmed that claims regarding its non-commitment to implementing the constitutional referendum law are misleading. These claims aim to destabilize the Libyan people’s trust in the institution.
The Commission’s board clarified the referendum’s legal path in its statement. It began with the issuance of the Tenth Constitutional Amendment on November 26, 2018. Law No. (6) of 2018 concerning the constitutional referendum followed this. The law was referred to the Commission on November 28, 2018. This was for technical review, preparing regulations, and executive procedures.
The statement noted that the High Council of State requested an immediate halt to the law’s implementation. This request was made on December 12, 2018. However, the Commission continued reviewing the law. It requested amendments to some of its articles. This was stated in its letter dated January 9, 2019. Law No. (1) of 2019 was issued. This law amended certain provisions. Subsequently, the Commission prepared regulatory bylaws and executive procedures. These were for activating the referendum.
The Commission applied to the Government of National Accord. It requested 40 million Libyan dinars. This funding was to cover the referendum costs. The government rejected the funding. This hindered the process implementation. Furthermore, the Commission did not receive the amended draft constitution. This was from the assigned committee. It was per the Twelfth Constitutional Amendment of 2022.
The statement affirmed that the Commission’s board was not involved in obstructing the referendum. Resuming the constitutional path requires political consensus. All parties must agree to implement this entitlement.
The Commission concluded its statement. It stressed its full commitment. It will implement the constitutional referendum. This will happen once the necessary legal and political conditions are met.