Libyan Lawmakers Challenge Speaker Saleh as Parliament Rules Fight Intensifies
A bloc of Libyan lawmakers is trying to change parliament's rules and replace Speaker Aguila Saleh after nearly 12 years. The group says it was blocked from holding a session in Benghazi, while other lawmakers doubt the effort can hold together. The push is tied to questions about the 4+4 agreement, which is seen as a possible path to a unified executive and elections within two years.
A bloc of 86 Libyan legislators wants to revise the procedures of the parliament seated in Benghazi and change its top leadership. They say the building was closed last week to prevent their meeting. Speaker Aguila Saleh has headed the chamber for almost 12 years.
The dispute intersects with the “4+4” arrangement, reached under United Nations sponsorship between representatives of the Tripoli interim government and the Libyan National Army. That plan envisions a new presidential council and a single government preparing nationwide elections in a two-year window. Some lawmakers doubt the reform bloc can stay united or force a change.
If the challenge to Speaker Saleh stalls or splits the chamber, Libyans could face further delays in efforts to unify institutions and hold elections. Lawmakers, the rival Tripoli and eastern administrations, and communities across Libya may continue living with uncertain governance. Should the “4+4” process advance, voters might eventually gain a clearer route to choosing a unified executive, though the outcome remains contingent on whether rival blocs can compromise.