On Sunday, Libya’s High National Elections Commission (HNEC) announced that the second round of municipal elections will take place on January 25, 2024.
During a press conference, Emad Al-Sayeh, head of the HNEC, emphasized the commission’s commitment to ensuring transparency and fairness. The appeals period for electoral challenges will begin on Monday, November 27, and remain open for 15 days.
The results for two municipalities, Nesma and Zintan, will be decided by a lottery due to a tie in votes between competing lists. In Nesma, the decision will be made between the “Benaa” and “Tawafuq” lists, while in Zintan, the tie exists between the “Tas’heeh” and “Zintan Al-Watan” lists.
The lottery process will take place following the conclusion of the appeals period, in accordance with the executive regulations governing municipal elections.
Al-Sayeh also confirmed the cancellation of the election process in the municipality of Al-Shweirif due to irregularities at polling centers, specifically at Station 2. These violations compromised the integrity of the vote, necessitating the annulment.
The first round of municipal elections saw a record-breaking voter turnout of 77.2%, the highest participation rate recorded by the HNEC. This milestone reflects increasing public engagement in Libya’s democratic processes and highlights the importance of local governance to Libyan citizens.
Municipal elections in Libya are pivotal in empowering communities and decentralizing governance. Local councils manage public services, infrastructure development, and community programs, making their elections critical to Libya’s efforts to build a stable and inclusive political system.
Despite logistical challenges, the HNEC continues to demonstrate its dedication to upholding electoral integrity and addressing issues as they arise. With the second round of elections scheduled for January, the commission is working to maintain the momentum of public participation while ensuring that the process remains fair and transparent.
