On Sunday, the Chairman of Libya’s High National Elections Commission (HNEC), Emad Al-Sayeh, met with Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, along with her deputy Stephanie Khoury and Sophie Kemkhadze, UNDP Resident Representative.
The meeting, attended by other HNEC members, focused on Libya’s electoral progress and the challenges of organizing the second phase of municipal elections in 2025.
With just one week since voter registration opened, over 150,000 Libyans have already signed up to participate, signaling strong public engagement. Al-Sayeh reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring a credible and transparent election process that meets international standards.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to address logistical and security challenges while ensuring broad voter participation across Libya.
Tetteh emphasized that local elections are a fundamental part of Libya’s democratic development. She stressed that municipal governance allows communities to actively participate in decision-making and hold their representatives accountable.
The UN remains committed to supporting Libya’s democratic transition, including facilitating political agreements that pave the way for broader national elections.
Discussions also covered the UN’s technical and logistical assistance to the HNEC, including training election officials, strengthening electoral infrastructure, and ensuring security at polling stations. Special attention was given to increasing the participation of women, youth, and people with disabilities, ensuring that elections are both inclusive and representative.
Al-Sayeh and the UN officials agreed on the importance of creating a safe and transparent electoral environment that encourages public trust and participation. As Libya continues its transition, these elections will be a crucial test of local governance and democratic resilience.
The meeting reinforced ongoing cooperation between Libya’s election commission and international partners, with both sides committed to ensuring that the 2025 municipal elections are free, fair, and a step forward for Libya’s democratic future.
