Deputy Head of the Libyan Presidential Council, Moussa Al-Koni, met with the Chairman of the High National Elections Commission (HNEC), Dr Emad Al-Sayah, on Wednesday to discuss preparations for the upcoming municipal elections.
According to a statement from HNEC, the discussions focused on ways to support the electoral process and the readiness of the commission to conduct the second phase of municipal council elections.
Al-Koni reaffirmed the Presidential Council’s commitment to supporting HNEC to ensure a transparent and fair electoral process, which he described as crucial for Libya’s stability and development.
Dr Al-Sayah briefed Al-Koni on the commission’s readiness to hold the municipal elections, outlining both operational and technical challenges. He also commended the Presidential Council’s role in supporting Libya’s political process and facilitating a smooth electoral procedure.
The meeting, held at HNEC’s headquarters, was also attended by HNEC board member Abu Bakr Marda. Al-Koni expressed appreciation for the commission’s efforts in conducting the municipal elections, emphasising their importance for local governance and democratic progress.
Voter registration for the elections began on Saturday across 62 municipalities and will remain open until 14 March. In the first phase of municipal elections, held on 16 November 2024, voters in 58 municipalities went to the polls in a process widely regarded as the only significant political milestone in Libya this year. The high voter turnout of approximately 77% reflected public interest in the electoral process.
The United Nations Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) praised the successful first phase of municipal elections, highlighting them as a positive step towards broader parliamentary and presidential elections. The upcoming second and third phases will be crucial in determining Libya’s democratic trajectory.
