Libya’s 77 year-old strongman left his office in the Libyan National Army in order to run for the presidency. The current election law allows Haftar to return to his office even if he is not elected president.
Libya’s military commander Khalifa Haftar, who dominates the eastern part of the country, has announced his candidacy for the Dec. 24 presidential election.
“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,” Haftar said in a televised speech.
Two days before the announcement of Haftar, who is supported by Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, Muammar Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam had also announced his presidential election bid.
Libya’s 77 year-old strongman also left his office in the Libyan National Army in order to run for the presidency.
The current election law allows Haftar to return to his office even if he is not elected president.
The North African country has been mired in civil war since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi following a NATO intervention in 2011. There has been a struggle for power between the east and west parts of the country. Turkish support for the Muslim Brotherhood-dominated Tripoli administration has escalated the situation in the country. Turkey has also violated the UN Security Council's arms embargo.
In a statement in Benghazi, Haftar said that the elections in December are “the only way for Libya to get out of the chaos”.
