Libya's rival administrations have agreed to hold legislative and presidential elections within a period not exceeding 24 months [1].
The agreement marks a critical attempt to end years of political fragmentation. By establishing a single executive authority, the deal seeks to reunify the country's divided governance and stabilize national institutions.
The agreement was reached on Sunday, Aug. 25 [2]. The signing ceremony took place at the United Nations mission in Tripoli, following a draft prepared by a UN-backed committee in Tunis on Aug. 20, 2026 [3].
The deal involves the Government of National Unity and the rival administration led by Khalifa Haftar [4]. Both factions have committed to a roadmap that prioritizes the transition to a unified government through a democratic process.
Walid Ellafi, State Minister of Political Affairs and Communications for the Government of National Unity, said legislative and presidential elections should be held "within a period not exceeding 24 months" [1]. He said the process must occur under a single executive authority and unified national institutions [1].
This timeline follows months of diplomatic efforts to bridge the gap between the eastern and western power centers. The UN-backed framework intends to provide a legal and political pathway to resolve the leadership vacuum that has persisted since the fall of the previous regime.
“Libya's rival administrations have agreed to hold legislative and presidential elections within a period not exceeding 24 months.”
The agreement represents a formal commitment to a timeline for governance, but its success depends on the ability of rival factions to maintain a ceasefire and agree on election laws. If implemented, it could resolve the duality of power between Tripoli and the east, potentially unlocking international investment and stabilizing the North African state.
