HCS questions constitutional basis of 4+4 outcomes

The High Council of State (HCS) has said it was not involved in meetings of the 4+4 group or in its proposals on the legal framework for elections and the restructuring of the High National Elections Commission.

In a statement, the council said ending the transitional period and holding free and fair national elections remained a national priority.

But it said any political agreement or outcome must have a clear legal and constitutional basis, respect the powers of Libyan institutions and enjoy national consensus.

The council also stressed that international backing for a political agreement did not in itself give it constitutional or legal legitimacy.

The UN mission should support and facilitate agreement among Libyans, rather than replace national institutions or act as a source of legislation, HCS explained.

It called for the full 4+4 proposals and their legal basis to be made public so that institutions and the public could assess their legal and constitutional implications.

It also underscored that any arrangements affecting state institutions or the Libyan Political Agreement, including those requiring constitutional or legal amendments, should follow established national procedures.