The United Nations acting Libya envoy expects coming political talks to designate a date for national elections, she told Reuters on Tuesday, after the country’s two warring sides agreed a ceasefire last week.
“What resonates is a clear and direct desire for there to be elections in as rapid a timeframe as possible,” Stephanie Williams said.
“Whatever executive authority they agree on really needs to have a clear focus – preparing for the elections,” Williams said. “I do fully expect there to be a date designated for elections.”
Some Libyans have been critical of the list of 75 delegates invited to the political talks, arguing they are not representative of the country as a whole.
Williams said it was important to make sure the relevant political forces active on the ground were “around the table” but also include representatives from other parts of society.