Libyans celebrate the 70th anniversary of their country's independence, despite widespread disappointment over the postponement of presidential elections, in Martyrs' Square, Tripoli, on December 24, 2021. AP
Libyans celebrate the 70th anniversary of their country's independence, despite widespread disappointment over the postponement of presidential elections, in Martyrs' Square, Tripoli, on December 24, 2021. AP
Libyans celebrate the 70th anniversary of their country's independence, despite widespread disappointment over the postponement of presidential elections, in Martyrs' Square, Tripoli, on December 24, 2021. AP
Libyans celebrate the 70th anniversary of their country's independence, despite widespread disappointment over the postponement of presidential elections, in Martyrs' Square, Tripoli, on December 24,

Libya must hold elections or face further division, UN envoy warns


Adla Massoud
  • English
  • Arabic

Libya’s political leaders must be held responsible for undermining elections, the UN special envoy for the country warned on Friday.

The situation remains tense throughout the North African nation nearly a year since elections were postponed.

Abdoulaye Bathily said signs of division in the country are already evident and he urged influential nations to pressure Libya’s rival leaders to finalise the process that will lead to elections.

He said the Security Council should back efforts by the country's UN mission to bring Libyan political leaders to the negotiating table and prevent any “further deterioration”, as the anniversary of the postponed elections approaches.

“Political leaders of all sides are to be held responsible for this disturbing development for the future of the country,” Mr Bathily said.

Election plans last December collapsed amid arguments between major factions and prominent candidates, with the central dispute involving rules governing elections and the legitimacy of the parliament.

Mr Bathily also warned the presence of foreign fighters, forces and mercenaries continues to pose a “serious challenge to the safety and security of Libyans”.

Libya election cancellation — in pictures

“We can already witness signs of a partitioned parallel government, separate security apparatus, a divided central bank decision by the House of Representatives to establish a Constitutional Court in Benghazi in the absence of an agreed constitution,” he said.

In addition, he noted growing unrest over oil revenue allocations and called for the establishment of a Libyan-led mechanism that brings together stakeholders from across the country to “agree on the spending priorities and ensure what oil and gas revenues are managed in a transparent and equitable manner”.

Martin Kimani, Kenya’s ambassador to the UN, echoed Mr Bathily's call for a Libyan-led process that can deliver long-term political stability. Speaking on behalf of the three African nations on the Security Council, he demanded the departure of foreign forces, fighters and mercenaries from Libya.

The country’s current political crisis stems from the failure to hold elections on December 24, 2021, and the refusal of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, who has been leading a transitional government in the capital of Tripoli, to step down.

In response, the country’s east-based parliament appointed a rival prime minister, Fathi Bashagha, who has for months sought to install his government in Tripoli.

Abdoulaye Bathily, UN Special Representative for Libya, centre, arrives for an election simulation meeting in the capital of Tripoli in November. AFP
Abdoulaye Bathily, UN Special Representative for Libya, centre, arrives for an election simulation meeting in the capital of Tripoli in November. AFP
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Name: Yousef Al Bahar

Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994

Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers

The biog

Favourite films: Casablanca and Lawrence of Arabia

Favourite books: Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Good to be Great by Jim Collins

Favourite dish: Grilled fish

Inspiration: Sheikh Zayed's visionary leadership taught me to embrace new challenges.

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

THE BIO

Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain

Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude

Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE

Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally

Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science

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Stars: 3

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Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes

Favourite hobby: Football

Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk

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match info

Maratha Arabians 138-2

C Lynn 91*, A Lyth 20, B Laughlin 1-15

Team Abu Dhabi 114-3

L Wright 40*, L Malinga 0-13, M McClenaghan 1-17

Maratha Arabians won by 24 runs

Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

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Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea

Villains
Queens of the Stone Age
Matador

FFP EXPLAINED

What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.

What the rules dictate? 
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.

What are the penalties? 
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.

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THE BIO

Favourite holiday destination: Whenever I have any free time I always go back to see my family in Caltra, Galway, it’s the only place I can properly relax.

Favourite film: The Way, starring Martin Sheen. It’s about the Camino de Santiago walk from France to Spain.

Personal motto: If something’s meant for you it won’t pass you by.

The End of Loneliness
Benedict Wells
Translated from the German by Charlotte Collins
Sceptre

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Company Fact Box

Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019

Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO

Based: Amman, Jordan

Sector: Education Technology

Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed

Stage: early-stage startup 

Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.

Updated: June 21, 2023, 8:34 AM`