Gadhafi's son announces presidential bid in Libya
- Yacob Reyes, author of Axios Tampa Bay
Emad Al-Sayah, chairman of Libya's High National Election Commission, speaks during a press conference in Tripoli on Nov. 7. Photo: Hazem Turkia/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, son of late Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi, registered as a presidential candidate Sunday for the country's upcoming election, the nation's election agency said in a statement.
Why it matters: Gadhafi's presidential bid comes days after an international conference in Paris was held to pressure Libyan officials to hold a "free, fair, inclusive" presidential election next month.
- While threatening sanctions against anyone who disrupts the political transition, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Egypt — along with Libya— did not establish rules to determine who could register as a presidential candidate, according to Al Jazeera.
- Gadhafi is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of crimes against humanity related to the 2011 Libyan uprising, per the Associated Press.
What to watch: Candidates have until Nov. 22 to declare their intentions, with Libya's election agency adding, "it is expected that the coming days will witness the submission of more candidates."
- The election is slated to take place on Dec. 24.