UNSMIL expresses concern over escalatory measures Between House of Representatives and High Council of State Regarding HNEC reconstitution

TRIPOLI — UNSMIL is deeply concerned with the recent escalatory measures between the House of Representatives and the High Council of State over the reconstitution of the Board of Directors of the High National Elections Commission (HNEC), one of the foundational steps of the political roadmap. These recent developments come amidst the ongoing inability to reach agreement on the matter since the launch of the Roadmap in August 2025. UNSMIL notes with regret that rather than building consensus on this matter—an issue pending for over a decade—the two institutions have engaged in a cycle of mutual escalation, creating a new chapter of discord and institutional division. The Mission reiterates its call for both institutions to cease all unilateral actions and holds them responsible for any fragmentation that may affect the future operations of the Commission. To date, HNEC has remained one of the few unified and technically capable national institutions in Libya and has proven its capability to effectively deliver elections. Amidst this ongoing dispute between the two institutions, UNSMIL urges HNEC to remain neutral in order to preserve its integrity. The Mission stands ready to support the two institutions to reach a consensual solution to this dispute and, in the meantime, it will continue to work with the existing board of Commissioners to advance the holding of presidential and legislative elections on the basis of sound and implementable electoral framework.