On Monday, the Chairman of Libya’s High National Elections Commission (HNEC), Emad Al-Sayeh, met with German Ambassador to Libya Ralph Tarraf in Tripoli to discuss strengthening support for Libya’s democratic journey as the country prepares for upcoming elections.
During the meeting, Ambassador Tarraf expressed Germany’s deep appreciation for the HNEC’s commitment to conducting elections according to the highest international standards. He emphasized Germany’s willingness to provide technical and advisory support to ensure the Commission is fully prepared to oversee the electoral process.
This visit is part of the international community’s broader efforts to back Libya’s democratic transition and to evaluate the HNEC’s readiness for conducting municipal council elections, which are currently underway. Germany, alongside other international partners, continues to play a critical role in supporting Libya’s electoral process, recognizing that credible and transparent elections are essential for the country’s stability and progress.
Under the leadership of Emad Al-Sayeh, the HNEC has been working diligently to ensure that upcoming elections are conducted with a strong emphasis on transparency and integrity. The ongoing support from Germany is vital in providing the expertise and resources necessary for Libya to navigate its complex political landscape.
Libya has been in a state of political flux since the 2011 revolution that led to the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi. The subsequent power vacuum resulted in years of civil strife, with multiple factions vying for control. The country has since struggled to establish a unified government, with periodic outbreaks of violence and a fragmented political landscape complicating efforts to create a stable and democratic state.
The international community has played a critical role in mediating conflicts and supporting efforts toward national reconciliation. The Berlin Process, initiated by Germany in 2020, brought together key international players to support a ceasefire and a political solution in Libya. This initiative laid the groundwork for the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF), which eventually led to the formation of an interim Government of National Unity (GNU) tasked with leading the country to national elections.
However, despite these efforts, Libya’s path to democracy has been fraught with delays and challenges. The national elections, originally scheduled for December 2021, have been postponed multiple times due to political disagreements and security concerns.
The HNEC, under Emad Al-Sayeh’s leadership, has been at the forefront of preparing for these elections, working to ensure that when they do take place, they are conducted fairly and transparently.
Germany’s ongoing support for the HNEC is a continuation of its commitment to Libya’s democratic transition.
By providing technical and advisory assistance, Germany aims to help Libya overcome the logistical and political challenges that have hindered its electoral process. The success of these elections is seen as crucial for the establishment of a stable government that can address the many issues facing Libya, including security, economic development, and national reconciliation.
