Libya ‘heavily polarised’ ahead of key poll

With one month left until Libya’s crucial elections UN Special Envoy Ján Kubiš says the political climate remains ‘heavily polarised’. Addressing the UN Security Council, he said ‘vocal opposition’ persists surrounding the legal framework for the polls which are being held in line with a roadmap adopted last year following a historic ceasefire and the establishment of an interim government. ‘While risks associated with the ongoing political polarisation around the elections are evident and present, not holding the elections could gravely deteriorate the situation in the country and could lead to further division and conflict,’ he added. Libya's High National Election Commission has confirmed that the first round of presidential elections will be held on 24 December. The second round, as well as the parliamentary elections, are set to take place 50 days later. All final results will be announced simultaneously.