UNSMIL commends Libya for completing third phase of municipal elections

(MENAFN) The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has lauded Libya for successfully completing the third phase of its municipal elections, describing the process as conducted “in a generally calm and orderly atmosphere.” Voter turnout for this phase was estimated at 69%, according to the High National Elections Commission.

UNSMIL commended the contributions of local authorities, security forces, and election observers in ensuring a safe voting environment. The mission also emphasized “the importance of respecting the integrity of the electoral process and using established legal mechanisms to address any potential electoral disputes,” reaffirming support for Libyan-led initiatives aimed at promoting “inclusive, credible, and transparent electoral processes.”

On Saturday, residents of Tobruk, Qaminis, Sebha, Tokra, Al-Abyar, Suloug, Benghazi, Sirte, and Qasr Al-Jadi cast their votes as part of this third phase. In total, 922 candidates—including 284 women—vied for 87 seats across the nine municipalities.

Earlier phases saw 58 municipalities hold elections starting on November 16, 2024, while the second phase began on August 16.

Beyond municipal councils, Libyans continue to hope for parliamentary and presidential elections that could help resolve divisions that have persisted since early 2022. The country remains politically split between two administrations: the eastern government, appointed by the House of Representatives and led by Osama Hammad in Benghazi, controlling the east and much of the south; and the internationally recognized Government of National Unity, headed by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh in Tripoli, which governs the west.

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