Libyan political parties gather in Sirte, demand unified institutions and elections

At their first conference in Sirte, Libyan political parties called for the unification of state institutions and presidential and parliamentary elections based on constitutional consensus.

Scraper SystemJuly 22, 2026, 09:01 PM

Libyan political parties gather in Sirte, demand unified institutions and elections

Libyan political parties held a conference for the first time in the city of Sirte, in the central part of the country. In a joint statement issued at the two-day meeting, they called for the unification of state institutions and the holding of free presidential and parliamentary elections.

The statement stressed that unifying all state institutions, especially the executive and military bodies, would support the building of a state of law and meet citizens' expectations. It noted that presidential and parliamentary elections are the most legitimate way to renew the legitimacy of state institutions and achieve a unified authority that would bring stability to the country.

The statement also said that Libya's unity and sovereignty must be preserved and social peace strengthened, and it welcomed the efforts of the United Nations and regional and international partners to support the political process. It called for continued initiatives to reduce differences among Libyans.

The statement noted that parties are a fundamental pillar in building a democratic state, and stressed that it is the responsibility of the parties to end division, establish a culture of dialogue, ensure peaceful transfer of power, and strengthen citizenship and the rule of law.

Libya currently has two rival governments. The internationally recognized Government of National Unity, led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, governs the west of the country from the capital Tripoli. The government appointed in early 2022 by the Tobruk-based House of Representatives in the east, headed by Osama Hammad, controls much of the east and south from Benghazi.

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has been working for years to hold elections that would end political and armed conflicts and put an end to the transitional periods that have continued since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011.

Libyan political parties gather in Sirte, demand unified institutions and elections

At their first conference in Sirte, Libyan political parties called for the unification of state institutions and presidential and parliamentary elections based on constitutional consensus.