The Central Committee for Municipal Council Elections in the Libyan Parliament-designated government, headed by Fathi Bashagha, formed 17 sub-committees in preparation for holding municipal council elections.
The government called on all citizens to “register with the voter system to participate actively and choose the best, fittest, and most capable candidates to perform their duties.”
It affirmed that the formation of the committees “came as an affirmation of the need to exercise the electoral right without restrictions, and as a culmination of work to build a civil state where justice, law, and the peaceful transfer of power prevail.”
On Sunday, the UN Envoy to Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Abdoulaye Bathily urged political leaders to “assume their responsibilities in ending the suffering of the Libyan people.” He stressed that the residents of the southern region have a “strong desire to be an integral part of Libya.”
These remarks came during his visit to the southern city of Sebha, where he held talks with a group of distinguished notables and social leaders. In addition to military and security officials.
During his tour at Sebha University, Bathily met with several representatives of civil society, women, youth groups, and student unions. They shared their concerns about the adverse impact of the political crisis on them.
The UN diplomat stressed that the people of southern Libya “should be able to enjoy the resources under their feet. They should be empowered economically and socially to enjoy their citizenship fully. It is time for social justice, fair distribution of resources, reconciliation, and peace.”
He stressed that “the people in Fezzan, like all their brothers and sisters across Libya, should enjoy better and advanced infrastructure, education, and healthcare. I also stressed that Fezzan should adequately participate in the national dynamic of the rebuilding of this country.”
In addition, Bathily expressed his appreciation for the southern notables and social leaders’ role in “fostering a culture of co-existence & reconciliation among different communities.”
He urged them to continue their “constructive role in the national reconciliation process, and to consolidate local efforts in support of the holding of free, fair, inclusive, and peaceful elections across Libya in 2023.”
In turn, they demanded an “end to the marginalization of the southern region and appealed for a fairer distribution of resources. As well as adequate inclusion of Fezzan in the various tracks of consultations to support the electoral process.”
