The US Embassy in Libya has congratulated the Libyan people on the successful swearing-in of newly elected mayors across the country. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Embassy highlighted the event as a significant step in Libya’s democratic process and commended all parties involved for their efforts.
“We extend our congratulations to Libya’s newly elected mayors, many of whom were sworn in yesterday. This marks a meaningful milestone in Libya’s journey towards strengthening local governance and democracy,” the statement read.
The Embassy also praised the High National Elections Commission (HNEC), the Ministry of Local Governance, and Libyan authorities for ensuring the smooth conduct of the elections. Special recognition was given to the election in Zaltan, where Zayra Al-Maqtouf made history by becoming Libya’s first female mayor.
“This achievement is a historic moment for Libya and an inspiration for more women to participate in leadership roles,” the Embassy noted.
Looking ahead, the US Embassy urged Libyan citizens to actively engage in the next round of municipal elections. “The upcoming elections will be an important opportunity for more Libyans to exercise their democratic rights and choose their local leaders,” the statement concluded.
The US Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Libya in its path towards stability and inclusive governance.
Earlier this month, the Electoral Administration Office in Benghazi hosted a comprehensive meeting, chaired by Emad Al-Sayeh, Head of the High National Elections Commission (HNEC). The meeting brought together directors from various technical departments, heads of electoral offices in eastern Libya, and the Director of Electoral Security and Protection.
According to an official statement by HNEC, the meeting focused on preparations for the upcoming municipal council elections (Group Two, 2025), marking a critical step in advancing Libya’s electoral process.
Discussions centred on mechanisms for conducting the elections and addressing potential challenges. Emphasis was placed on ensuring effective coordination among all stakeholders to guarantee the elections’ success, which are scheduled to commence in the second half of this month.
During the opening remarks, Al-Sayeh expressed gratitude for the efforts that contributed to the success of the 2024 municipal elections for Group One. He stressed the importance of continued collaboration, stating, “Proper preparation and close cooperation among stakeholders are key to ensuring a smooth and transparent electoral process. We are confident that the upcoming elections will set a milestone in strengthening local democracy.”
The statement also highlighted that the meeting is part of a series of preparatory sessions aimed at developing strategies to tackle potential challenges. It emphasised the role of enhanced collaboration between security agencies and the commission to create a secure environment conducive to free and fair elections.
