Khalifa Haftar, the former General Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), announced today that he will for president in the upcoming elections on December 24.
“I announce my candidacy for president not because I’m asking for power or status but to lead our people at this critical phase towards glory, progress and prosperity,” Haftar said during his announcement speech.
Speculations about Haftar’s presidential bid surfaced after he stepped down from his position as LNA’s general commander in late September.
The electoral laws issued by the House of Representatives stipulates that public officials are eligible to run in the elections if they resign their posts three months before the elections.
According to the latest data provided by the High National Election Commission (HNEC), five presidential candidates have confirmed their nominations so far, one of whom is Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. With Haftar’s announcement, that number would rise to six.
The deadline for presidential candidacy filing is November 22nd. After that, the HNEC will vet all the applicants and present a final list of those allowed to compete in the elections.