Seif al-Islam Gadhafi cleared to run amidst legal challenges and ongoing instability
A Libyan court in Sabha has overturned the electoral commission’s decision to disqualify Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, son of the late dictator Moammar Gadhafi, from participating in the upcoming presidential election. The ruling allows Gadhafi to contest the vote scheduled for 24 December, despite earlier convictions related to his role in suppressing protests during the 2011 uprising.
For days, armed groups had obstructed the court’s proceedings by blocking access to the judges, delaying the decision. Seif al-Islam, who once appeared poised to succeed his father, expressed gratitude to the judges for "risking their safety in the pursuit of justice."
The elections, part of U.N.-facilitated efforts to stabilise Libya after years of civil conflict, face numerous challenges. Divisions between Libya’s eastern and western regions remain deep, and the presence of foreign mercenaries and fighters complicates the situation further.
Since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that ousted Moammar Gadhafi, Libya has been mired in political chaos. The country is currently governed by an interim administration, elected during U.N.-led negotiations in Geneva earlier this year. Major political figures, including eastern commander Khalifa Hifter and interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, are also vying for the presidency.
Seif al-Islam’s past includes a death sentence issued by a Tripoli court in 2015 for alleged violence against protesters, a ruling that has since faced scrutiny. Additionally, he is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of crimes against humanity. Despite this, his reinstatement as a candidate underscores the contentious and polarised nature of the election process.
Meanwhile, election-related violence has escalated. Armed attackers recently raided polling stations in Tripoli and Azizia, stealing or destroying over 2,000 voter cards, essential for participation in the election. These incidents highlight the fragility of Libya's efforts to hold its first presidential election in years, with unresolved legal and security issues casting doubt on the process’s success.
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Pic of the week: Sunset at margate beach
The first day’s journey was through the pink fields
The first day’s journey was through the pink fields
The first day’s journey was through the pink fields