Libya’s Electoral Commission Disqualifies Seif Al-Islam Gadhafi

According to the commission, Seif Gadhafi was disqualified because of a criminal conviction.

Seif Gadhafi was found guilty in 2015 and sentenced to death in absentia for war crimes committed during the violent uprising in 2011, which ultimately ended with the public lynching of his father. Gadhafi maintains his innocence.

He is also wanted by the International Criminal Court who want him tried for crimes against humanity.

Gadhafi was one of 25 candidates who were excluded from the process, but are still allowed to appeal the decision.

Other prominent exclusions are Ali Zeidan, the country’s former prime minister and Nouri Abusahmain, former head of the General National Congress of Libya.

Earlier this month Libya’s former military commander, Khalifa Hifter announced his intention to run for president.

After years in hiding, Gadhafi made an appearance after he filed his candidacy to contest the presidency ten days ago.

Some Libyan observers believed that he had a chance at gaining power, while others see his involvement in the presidential race as a destabilising influence in an already charged political atmosphere.