Nov 14, 2021 - World

Gadhafi's son announces presidential bid in Libya

Yacob Reyes

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.

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Gadhafi's son announces presidential bid in Libya

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