LNA Chief Haftar Applies to Register Himself as Candidate at Libyan Presidential Election

Presidential and parliamentary elections are planned for 24 December in Libya.

The commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Khalifa Haftar, has submitted documents for registration as a candidate for the presidential elections in Libya, Al-Arabiya TV reported.

"I declare my candidacy for the presidential election, not because I am chasing power but because I want to lead our people towards glory, progress and prosperity," he said in a speech on Libyan television.

Libya ceased to be a united country in 2011, when its leader Muammar Gaddafi was ousted and assassinated. In March 2021, the Government of National Unity was formed as part of the international mediation effort to stop the strife between the Government of National Accord and the Libyan National Army. The body will be in charge until the general election.

Presidential and parliamentary elections, both planned for 24 December, were one of the main outcomes of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum held under the auspices of the United Nations in Geneva last February.