Libya’s House elects Abdelnabi as speaker, replacing Saleh

Libya’s eastern-based House of Representatives elected Al-Salhin Abdelnabi as its new speaker, replacing Aguila Saleh after 12 years in the post. The change was announced by the House spokesman, but its validity remains contested after Saleh objected to the procedures used to alter parliamentary rules and hold the vote. The leadership election took place on Tuesday, October 6, in Benghazi. It followed a vote on Monday, October 5, in which 98 lawmakers approved a change limiting the speaker and deputy speakers to 12-month terms. The amendment established a new leadership cycle, though the dispute over whether it was properly adopted raises questions about the basis for Abdelnabi’s election. Saleh said the Monday session was unofficial and that its decisions had no legal effect, arguing that required procedures under the House’s internal regulations were not followed. He had called a session for Tuesday, then cancelled it, according to reports. The evidence available does not establish an authoritative ruling on whether the amendment or the subsequent election complies with House procedures.