Hommam Al Nassim 
The speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives, Aguila Saleh, announced the parliament’s readiness to hold presidential elections before the end of this year.
The announcement came in a press statement made by Saleh during his participation in the meetings of the Arab Parliament in Cairo, where he stressed the country’s readiness for this democratic entitlement and called on the international community to provide support.
Saleh stressed that the constitutional and legal foundations for the election of the president and parliament have been laid and that the electoral commission is ready to organize the electoral process.
He also pointed out that there are differences between the High Council of State and parliament that hinder reaching consensus on the electoral roadmap, which requires resolving these differences to pave the way for elections.
Saleh added that there are those who oppose leaving power, pointing out that as speaker of parliament he calls for elections to be held immediately, stressing that the interest of the country requires it.
The first step requires the formation of a unified government, he said, adding that holding elections under separate governments in the east and west is inappropriate.
He revealed that negotiations are underway with the State Council to reach an agreement on the mechanism of forming the government, indicating that the agreed principle includes the recommendation of candidates by 20 members of the State Council and 10 members of the House of Representatives, after which the president is chosen by Parliament based on the program presented by the candidate.
All eyes are now on today’s parliamentary session, where candidacy for the presidency of the new government is expected to open.
The move comes amid questions about the possibility of reaching a consensus between the parliament and the High Council of State on the formation of a single government, in accordance with electoral laws and agreed legal procedures.
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