World

UN lists candidates to run Libya’s transitional government

Participants at Libya’s UN-sponsored peace talks have adopted a list of applicants attempting to lead a transitional government that will prepare Libya for a national election at the conclusion of 2021, the United Nations said.

The transitional government will supervise preparations for the vote that strives to end a decade of chaos and struggle that has left Libya split down the middle and struck its vital oil exports on which the country’s economy depends.

The 75 participants at talks in Switzerland, ranging from regional and tribal figures to representatives of political factions, will vote next week to select a three-person presidential council and a prime minister.

They will pick from 24 nominees for the three presidential council posts, while 21 people are competing for the post of the prime minister, according to the UN list released on Saturday.

While UN-backed talks have grown, many Libyans fear competition for posts could yet trigger fresh fighting, unravelling a ceasefire that has largely held since October.

Participants at the UN talks agreed on a formula for voting on the candidates for the transitional government this month.

The list of approved candidates includes Aguila Saleh, head of the eastern-based parliament, while they also include the GNA’s Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha, defense Minister Saleh Namroush and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmed Maiteeg.