Several Libyan parliamentary candidates are calling for nationwide protests over the cancellation of the country's long-awaited presidential election, which had been tentatively scheduled for Dec. 24. The electoral commission has proposed putting off the polls for a month, citing lack of preparedness amid bureaucratic chaos. But the postponement threatens the country's fragile peace deal [11]. Clashes broke out last week in the southern city of Sabha between local security forces and fighters loyal to eastern warlord Khalifa Haftar [5], who has announced his candidacy for president. Another presidential hopeful is Saif al-Islam Qaddafi [6]—who is wanted by the International Criminal Court [7] for alleged war crimes committed during the revolution that overthrew his father 10 years ago. Also running is current interim prime minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah [11]. All three have faced challenges to their right to run, and Human Rights Watch has expressed concern [9] over whether the elections can be free and fair given the atmosphere of insecurity and repression. (AP [12], TNH [13])
