The Libyan government, headed by Osama Hammad, affirmed that the Libyan judiciary is the sole authority competent to rule on appeals and objections related to the electoral process.
In a statement, it noted that the administrative court ruling issued in Tripoli to suspend and annul the decision of the High National Elections Commission regarding electoral constituencies represents a legally binding reference for all, which cannot be ignored or bypassed.
The statement clarified that the High National Elections Commission overstepped its jurisdiction when it commented on the outcomes of the UN advisory committee and announced its readiness to implement them, an action that does not fall within its powers, as it is a technical body whose mission is to conduct the electoral process according to the specified legal and judicial frameworks, away from any political positions or alignments.
The government stressed that the Commission’s attempt to involve itself in political debate or to override judicial rulings constitutes a dangerous exploitation of the Libyan judiciary and a red line that will not be allowed to be crossed. It considered the Commission’s role to be confined to technical and procedural work only, while ruling on legal matters remains the jurisdiction of the courts.
The statement added that the postponement of elections in some municipalities was due to objective reasons related to security conditions and the lack of ballot boxes in some centers, for which no local party can be held responsible. It pointed out that the High Commission must acknowledge its continuous failures and assume its responsibilities before the state’s legitimate institutions and agencies.
The government affirmed that it will not allow the politicization of the Commission or its use as a tool to pass foreign agendas or to postpone electoral entitlements, warning against turning it into a platform to influence public opinion or a means to obstruct the popular will.
The statement also reiterated the government’s welcome of the UN roadmap and its practical steps, calling on all Libyan and international parties to support its implementation in its various stages, leading to fair and transparent elections that express the will of the Libyans through the ballot box, under the supervision of a single government that ensures the unity of political and administrative decision-making throughout Libyan territory.
The statement concluded by emphasizing that the government is proceeding with its commitment to achieving the aspirations of the Libyan people for free elections, stressing that respect for the judiciary is the true guarantee of the integrity of the electoral process, and that it will not permit any transgressions that affect the neutrality of the Commission or undermine the authority of the law.