The UN envoy to Libya, Ghassan Salame, stated on Thursday that many requirements must be met before holding elections in Libya.

During his reception of a delegation from Zawiya city, Salame said “we need to have a constitutional framework prior to elections; combat corruption; limit foreign interference in Libyan affairs and return of all IDPs.”

“Voter registration must be completed and a referendum law must be established prior to holding a referendum on the constitution. It’s logical to have a constitutional framework before embarking on elections.” He added.

On Wednesday, Salame stressed that the UNSMIL has three objectives: “the draft constitution, the elections, and the comprehensive national reconciliation,” expressing the readiness of the UN mission to help Libya if it had the desire to write modern laws.

He further noted that work is under way to ensure that the constitution will precede any electoral process.

Salame added that smuggled weapons are still flowing into Libya due to the weak control of the borders.

“Collecting more than 20 million pieces of weapons in Libya is a great challenge,” he indicated, suggesting that the solution lies in the formation of one government and one army.