The Libyan National Gathering of Political Parties has launched an initiative to resolve the leadership dispute within the High Council of State (HCS) between Khaled Al-Mishri and Mohamed Takala.
The leadership conflict began on August 6, when Al-Mishri was declared the winner over Takala by a single vote. A contested ballot, with Takala’s name written on the reverse side, led to the HCS’s legal committee eventually ruling in favor of Al-Mishri, who then took control of the council’s headquarters in Tripoli and its official Facebook page.
The National Gathering’s initiative aims to unify the HCS and address the ongoing leadership dispute. They have communicated the details to the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and all HCS members, receiving positive feedback from various parties. Al-Mishri has responded positively, engaging in a constructive meeting focused on unifying and stabilizing the council.
However, the National Gathering expressed surprise at Takala’s lack of response to the initiative as of Thursday evening, noting his engagement in meetings with individuals claiming to be candidates for the upcoming parliament.
The ongoing leadership struggle between Al-Mishri and Takala has raised concerns about deepening divisions within the HCS, potentially hindering its role in guiding Libya toward stability.
The National Gathering emphasized the urgency of focusing on critical issues affecting the council’s unity and the nation’s stability, urging all parties, including Takala, to engage positively with the proposed initiatives in the national interest.
Al-Mishri has accused Takala of unlawfully claiming the HCS presidency, following a previous court ruling that invalidated the election session. This situation has led to questions about the council’s future and the possibility of further divisions if a resolution is not reached.
