Representatives of Libya's main rival factions signed an agreement at the UN mission headquarters in Tripoli to hold long-postponed presidential and parliamentary elections within two years. The agreement aims to resolve long-standing disputes over electoral laws and reform the national electoral body.

The compromise was reached during 4+4 format talks involving the Government of National Unity, the High State Council, the House of Representatives and the Libyan National Army.

Within one month, the group is to develop a framework in cooperation with the UN. If Parliament and the High State Council do not approve the agreement within that time, the parties will attempt to push it through as a constitutional document at the national level and seek the support of the UN Security Council.

The political process in the country has been at a standstill since the failure of the December 2021 elections. Although there has been no major conflict since the 2020 ceasefire, many residents remain skeptical of politicians' promises, fearing they do not want to relinquish power.

(Reuters, max)