UNSMIL: Participants in the Governance Track stress on the importance of a unified government and a consensual legal framework for credible elections.

Tripoli, 30 June 2026 (Lana): Participants in a live virtual discussion organized by members of the Structured Dialogue’s Governance Track under the auspices of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) convened with the public on Thursday and emphasized the importance of unifying state institutions and creating the conditions for holding credible elections as essential for advancing the political process and strengthening stability, underscoring the need for national solutions based on inclusive dialogue and consensus.

On its official website, UNSMIL stated that the conversation brought together a diverse group of 30 in the online room, with the live recording being viewed 130 more times. Participants reflected on the persistent obstacles facing the political process, while emphasizing the importance of inclusive dialogue in shaping sustainable and nationally owned solutions.

Members of the Governance Track, Marwa Alshaybani, Mustafa Bahbah, and Osama KhairAllah, presented the track’s outcomes and responded to a range of questions.

Participants highlighted that the ongoing division of executive authorities remains a central challenge hindering political progress. Many stressed the urgent need for a unified government capable of exercising authority across the country and restoring public trust. They noted that fragmentation of institutions continues to obstruct decision-making and delay critical reforms necessary for stability.

The discussion also focused on the importance of establishing the right conditions for elections and focusing on ending the transitional stage, while some members warned against new transitional stages, while others advocated for the need to end the current division in the country.

The participants observed that past electoral efforts faltered due to the absence of a clear and agreed legal and constitutional framework, emphasizing that elections must be carefully prepared through consensus-based arrangements, supported by clear legal foundations, and shielded from political interference. They stressed that credibility and inclusivity are essential for ensuring lasting legitimacy.

They also exchanged views on the constitutional basis required for the transitional period. While opinions varied, many participants supported the idea of adopting an interim constitutional framework to enable elections while deferring the development of a permanent constitution to an elected body at a later stage. They further emphasized the importance of the Libyan people’s direct role in shaping the country’s constitutional future.

Despite differing perspectives, participants agreed on the overarching goal of advancing a political process that leads to unified institutions, credible elections, and sustainable governance reforms.

The Structured Dialogue was made up of approximately 120 Libyans from across the country, including men, women, youth, persons with disabilities, and representatives of cultural and linguistic components. They began meeting in December 2025 and held 18 sessions in person and online across four tracks: National Reconciliation and Human Rights, Security, Economy, and Governance.

On 7 June, members of all tracks presented their conclusions to nearly 200 participants, including SD members, representatives of the diplomatic community in Libya, and the UN support team. The UNSMIL made these recommendations available on its website.

=Lana=