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Libya's parliamentary speaker, Aguila Saleh, has challenged a decision by lawmakers meeting in Benghazi on Monday to require annual elections for the chamber's leadership. The House of Representatives said 98 of the 102 members at the session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Misbah Duma, backed the change.

The approved text limits the leadership bureau's term to 12 months from its election, after which it would expire automatically. It also requires a new bureau to be elected within seven days of the amendment's adoption. Saleh said in a written statement that Monday's gathering was informal and had no legal effect. He also postponed the next scheduled parliamentary session to a later date.

Presidential Council head Mohamed al-Menfi also stressed adherence to the Constitutional Declaration and the rule of law in a post on X. He said the speaker would remain in office unless he resigned, arguing that no interpretation, law or parliamentary rule could override or contradict the constitutional text.

Key Takeaways

• Lawmakers approved annual leadership elections by 98 votes among 102 members present.
• Saleh rejected Monday's session as informal and without legal effect.
• Menfi said the speaker remains in office unless he resigns, citing constitutional authority.