Ambassador Norland and Dr. Emad Al-Sayah of the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) met April 6 in Tunis so the Ambassador could receive an update on planning for national elections on December 24, 2021. Ambassador Norland congratulated Dr. Al-Sayah on preparations completed thus far, and on the highly competent, independent and apolitical way in which HNEC has carried out its technical tasks in preparation for this historic event in Libya’s political life.
Ambassador Norland stressed the importance the United States attaches to reaching agreement on a viable constitutional basis and on presidential and parliamentary election laws by July 1, 2021, in order for the HNEC to adequately prepare for December 2021 elections. In the U.S. view, if the House of Representatives is unable to reach consensus on these issues, the LPDF must fulfill its role according to the roadmap so that elections can take place by the LPDF’s agreed-upon December 24, 2021 electoral timeline.
Ambassador Norland and Dr. Al-Sayah discussed the importance of electoral security, space for civil society to engage in voter education activities, and for candidates to be able to campaign freely. The United States supports full participation by all eligible voters — men and women, the disabled, and members of minority groups alike. The United States appreciates our partnership with the HNEC – an independent and capable institution – as it prepares to administer free, fair and transparent elections for the people of Libya. The Ambassador complimented Dr. Al-Sayah’s capable work in the years he has served as the HNEC’s head.