An analytical report by the English-language news site “Who Owns Africa” examined the collapse of the 2021 presidential and parliamentary elections. It linked this failure to flawed legislation and unfulfilled promises. The report provided an inside account. It explained how Libya’s most significant democratic achievement crumbled. This happened before a single vote was cast.
The report identified flawed legislation, disputed nominations, and unfulfilled pledges. It deemed these critical elements in the electoral process’s breakdown.
According to the report, former UN Advisor Stephanie Williams offered her view. She stated the 2021 elections’ collapse was not a peace roadmap failure. Instead, it stemmed from the laws drafted for its activation. The report also cited destructive external intervention. This pressure was not fully clear at the time.
The report highlighted an unfulfilled promise by Tripoli-based Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh. He had pledged not to run in the elections. Williams reportedly described him as a “liar.” The report considered that Dbeibeh’s actions undermined the dialogue process’s legitimacy. They also destabilized the fragile consensus.
Williams stressed the importance of transparency for credible future elections. Her warning appeared in the report. She cautioned that a lack of transparency would further erode public trust. This trust is already damaged within the political process. She added that the 2021 events were a warning. The international community and Libyan leaders have not yet fully comprehended it.
The report concluded with a question. Would involved parties learn from the 2021 experience? This question applies to any future political process.