Italy announced a substantial contribution of over one million US dollars to support Libya’s path toward comprehensive and inclusive elections on Wednesday. This collaborative effort between the Italian government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aims to strengthen democratic practices in Libya.
During a dialogue involving key figures such as Emad Al-Sayeh, head of Libya’s Election Commission, and Gianluca Alberini, the Italian Ambassador, the commitment to allocate additional Italian resources to support Libya’s electoral initiatives was emphasized. This is in alignment with the United Nations’ coordinated efforts.
Ambassador Alberini stressed the crucial connection between democratic elections and peace, advocating for the active participation of all societal segments, including marginalized groups like youth and people with disabilities. The pledged funds from Italy aim to significantly enhance the electoral participation of these groups, incorporating innovations such as sign language systems and Braille printers.
Christopher Lueck, the UNDP’s Resident Representative in Libya, highlighted inclusivity as fundamental to achieving Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the need for active engagement in decision-making and positive change.
The PEPOL (Promoting Elections for the People of Libya) project will provide crucial technical assistance to the Libyan Election Commission as part of the UNDP’s 2023-2025 country program for Libya. This initiative aims to enhance the commission’s capacity and preparedness for upcoming national elections.
Supported by an array of international donors, including Italy, Canada, the Czech Republic, the EU, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK, the project represents a significant international commitment to supporting Libya’s democratic journey.
