The UN Advisor on Libya, Stephanie Williams, has announced that the constitutional track committee of the House of Representatives (HoR) and High Council of State (HCS) had reached a preliminary consensus on Article 137 of Libyan constitution draft in their final meeting in Cairo on Friday.
Williams said, according to a statement by UNSMIL, she was particularly pleased that the committee members were able to agree on Chapter 2 on the rights and freedoms, as well as on the Chapters on legislative and judicial authority, with the exception of a handful of articles.
“Indeed, you were able to have an initial agreement on many articles of the Draft Constitution. This demonstrates that you have shown commitment, and I strongly encourage you to continue your consultations toward reaching the final consensus on the remaining articles. “ Williams told the committee members.
She commended the members on the progress made while also remaining conscious of the amount of work that they have left to do here in this period between now and the next session when they will gather on 11 June.
“We have to keep in mind that the Libyan people are looking to this Committee with high hopes and expectations that your work will conclude and lead to a full agreement to enable the holding of national, comprehensive, and inclusive elections as soon as possible. I don’t need to tell you that these elections will fulfill the aspirations of over 7 million of your compatriots, fellow Libyans, who have the internationally recognized fundamental right to go to the ballot box and to elect those who represent them in presidential and legislative elections.” Williams explained.
The constitutional committee concluded its meetings in Cairo on Friday and said its members had agreed on about 140 articles of the draft constitution, adding that the rest would be deliberated in the next session. It also indicated that a mini committee was formed to devise a consensual text for the remaining articles and then send them to the HoR and HCS so they can have their final say.
