Head of the High National Electoral Commission in Libya (HNEC), Emad Al-Din Al-Sayeh, stated he expects a significant increase in the number of registered voters during the coming period.
In press statements, Al-Sayeh confirmed that the decision to extend online voter registration has led to the addition of nearly 500,000 voters, bringing the total number to 2.8 million voters.
Notably, the registration for voters in Libya closed on 17 August, meanwhile, the registration system for Libyans residing abroad will end on 17 September.
“The right to run for elections is guaranteed to every eligible Libyan citizen, including people with special needs or other groups,” Al-Sayeh said.
The commission is preparing to hold elections on 24 December, according to the roadmap adopted by the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF). However, it faces difficulties with a delay in adopting the delimitation of electoral districts, and the distribution of seats.
Libya, home to some 7 million people, has made tentative steps over the past year towards ending a decade of violent fragmentation, initially sparked by the overthrow of leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. A United Nations-brokered ceasefire signed in October between warring eastern and western camps has largely held.
Parallel political negotiations have installed a transitional government tasked with leading the country toward the December elections. Despite months of relative peace, Libyans remain at odds over when the elections should be held, what type of elections, and on what legal basis.