**Rival Libya Factions Sign Agreement to Hold National Elections Within Two Years**
*Tripoli, Libya – August 30, 2026* – Representatives from Libya's rival governments have reached a significant agreement aimed at resolving the ongoing political divisions in the country. On Sunday, a deal was signed that commits both factions to conduct national elections within a two-year timeframe. This agreement is seen as a crucial step towards restoring stability in a nation that has been fragmented since 2014.
The agreement stipulates that both legislative and presidential elections will be held under a unified executive authority, with a deadline not exceeding 24 months. Walid Ellafi, the state minister of political affairs and communications in the internationally recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) based in Tripoli, confirmed the details of the agreement.
The signing ceremony took place in Tripoli at the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), following an initial draft agreement that was established by the UN-backed "4+4 committee" in Tunis on August 20. This committee is composed of four representatives from the House of Representatives, which operates in eastern Libya, and four representatives from the High Council of State, which is associated with the GNU in the west.
Libya has been embroiled in conflict since the overthrow of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, leading to a split between two competing administrations: the internationally recognized government in the west and an eastern administration supported by military commander Khalifa Haftar. The ongoing strife has hindered the establishment of a cohesive national governance structure.
Shibani AbuHamoud, the head of the general delegation of Haftar’s forces, expressed commitment to collaborating with UNSMIL to develop a framework for implementing the agreement within one month of its signing. This framework will address the various matters related to the execution of the electoral process.
However, the agreement includes a stipulation that if the House of Representatives and the High Council of State do not endorse the deal within a month, it will be adopted as a constitutional document by the involved parties and will receive backing from the UN Security Council.
Despite the optimism surrounding the agreement, skepticism persists regarding its potential success. Analysts have pointed out that the core issue of governance remains unresolved, as the factions will need to navigate control over the country’s resources and address the complex security environment. The challenge of implementing the agreement is compounded by the history of stalled presidential elections, which have repeatedly been postponed due to political disputes.
The international community, including the United Nations, has been actively seeking ways to unify Libya since the fall of Gaddafi, but achieving lasting peace and stability has proven to be an ongoing struggle. The recent agreement represents a renewed effort to bridge the divisions and move towards a democratic process, although the path forward remains fraught with challenges.
As Libya approaches this pivotal moment, the eyes of the world will be watching to see if the factions can overcome their differences and work collaboratively towards a more unified and democratic future.