Caliph Haftar is said to be a divisive figure who is also wanted for war crimes.He has vowed to restore peace in the country and could face Muammar Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam in the presidential election.
Former Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar announced on Tuesday that he intends to run in next month's presidential election. Libya's December 24 election is being seen as the last attempt to end a decade-long civil war and political turmoil.
Khalifa Haftar recently resigned from his military post, leading to speculation that he could run for president.
What did Haftar say?
In a televised statement, warlord Khalifa Haftar said the crisis.Which has plagued the country since the fall of the powerful Muammar Gaddafi government as a result of a NATO-backed coup, would only end the crisis through democratic elections.He promised that if successful, he would "start a new path of reconciliation, peace and construction."
In Libya, Khalifa Haftar is seen as a divisive figure, and it is highly likely that the UN-recognized government in Tripoli will sharply criticize his move.
His opponents say that in view of the influence of his militia, no vote in his occupied territories can be considered fair and free.He has been charged with war crimes for killing prisoners in 2017.Have also been imposed.
Haftar was a former ally of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, who was later deported and, after living in the United States for decades, finally acquired citizenship.
Warlord Khalifa Haftar was a senior officer in the country's army under Muammar Gaddafi and later became the commander of his armed group.The Lebanese National Army, and a self-styled field marshal.Now he has resigned.
Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam is also a candidate
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the son of slain dictator Muammar Gaddafi, is also running as a candidate.As a presidential candidate, he submitted his nomination papers to the National Electoral Commission on Sunday, November 14.
Gaddafi's son submitted the documents in the southwestern city of Sabah.Libya's election commission has also confirmed his candidacy for the presidency.
Under Muammar Gaddafi, he was considered his father's successor.His father was ousted as a result of a popular uprising.Saif al-Islam was arrested in 2011 after his father's death.
He was released after more than five years in June 2017.His political affiliation is with a political and military group called the Popular Front for the Liberation of Libya.It is primarily a political party and militia of supporters of the former dictator.
Source : (Reuters, AP)
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