The United Nations has expressed worry over reports of vote in Libya’s parliament to establish a new government, which risks triggering new fighting or a return to territorial division.
The UN secretary-general’s spokesperson said in an emailed statement there were reports that Tuesday’s vote did not meet standards of transparency and procedure, and of acts of intimidation before the session.
The parliament plans to swear in Fathi Bashagha as prime minister on Thursday though the incumbent, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, refuses to hand over power, with both sides having some military support in the capital.
“The United Nations is instead focused on renewing its push for elections”, the spokesperson said, adding that UN Libya adviser Stephanie Williams would soon invite the parliament and an opposing political body, the High Council of State, for talks.
The position of international powers will be key in the coming tussle for control of Libya’s government and political process, with analysts pointing to the risks of another full-blown war or another split between warring administrations.
Libya has been mired in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising removed longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
The country was subsequently split between rival administrations based in Tripoli in the west and a Tobruk-based parliament in the east.
