The National High Electoral Commission announced on Saturday that the number of voters registered for the second phase of the municipal elections has reached 147,801, according to statistics published on its official Facebook page.
The Commission clarified that the total number of registrants by March 1st includes 110,836 male voters and 36,965 female voters, across 62 targeted municipal councils in this phase of the elections.
It also noted that the registration process is still open. Citizens can register by sending a text message that includes their national ID number and the electoral center number to 17017, as part of efforts to enhance participation in the local electoral process.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
