Libya's High Council of State suspended its 86th session until Monday, when it will complete discussions on the 13th amendment to the Constitutional Declaration of 2011 and the road map for the next stage, according to a statement released on Sunday.

Parliament referred the draft of the 13th amendment to the council for review on February 15, it was approved with a unanimous vote during its session in Benghazi on February 7.

The 13th constitutional amendment contains 34 articles regarding Libya's system of government, which according to Article 1, consists of a legislative authority with two chambers and an executive authority headed by a president directly elected by the people.

Legislative Branch

The legislative authority will be called the “National Assembly” and will be comprised of the House of Representatives, which will be based in Benghazi, and a Senate seated in Tripoli.

The amendment also defines the legislative competencies of the two chambers and the method and conditions for candidacy and elections for them.

Executive Branch

As for the executive authority, it will be headed by a president directly elected by the people. The president will be responsible for appointing or dismissing the prime minister. The amendment also defines the functions of the executive authority, its tasks, and the method of accountability.

Transition to Elections

Article 31 stipulates that the election of a National Assembly and a president must take place within a maximum period of 240 days from the approval of electoral laws.

A committee of 12 members, comprising six members from the House of Representatives and six from the High Council of State will be formed to prepare a referendum and election laws. A two-thirds majority of the members of each house will be required to proceed for final approval.

After committee passage, the House of Representatives would then hold an up or down vote, without the ability to modify the proposal.

The article adds that “In the event that the presidential elections cannot be held for any reason, all related procedures shall be considered null and void.”