German Ambassador to Libya, Michael Ohnmacht, has welcomed the announcement of voter registration in preparation for the upcoming municipal elections in Libya.
In a tweet on his X account, Ohnmacht stated, “This is a step in the right direction towards democracy and institution-building.”
He further added, “This is a precious opportunity to demonstrate that Libya is capable of conducting a successful electoral process not only at the municipal level but also at the national level.”
The High National Elections Commission (HNEC) is an independent body responsible for overseeing electoral processes in Libya. Its mandate includes the preparation, organization, and supervision of elections. The recent announcement about voter registration for municipal council elections marks a significant milestone in Libya’s ongoing efforts to establish a democratic and representative governance system.
Municipal elections are a foundational element of democratic governance. They provide citizens with the opportunity to elect local leaders who are directly accountable to their communities. These elections are crucial for addressing local issues, improving public services, and fostering civic engagement.
The process begins with the first phase, voter registration, which will last for 15 days until June 23, 2024. It is important to note that voter registration for municipal council elections is entirely new and is based on residency in the municipality where the applicant wishes to vote. Registration applications will only be accepted from citizens residing in the targeted municipalities (Group One) through the voter registration system using SMS or at Registration Request Acceptance Committees.
Following the completion of this phase, the Commission will proceed with the distribution of voter cards to newly registered individuals who have not previously received a card. Voter cards distributed in 2021 remain valid and will be used in the municipal council elections to verify voter identity on election day.
The international community remains hopeful that Libya will continue to make strides towards political stability and democratic governance. Ambassador Norland’s support for the HNEC’s voter registration initiative reflects a broader commitment to helping Libya achieve these critical goals.
