The High National Elections Commission (HNEC), in cooperation with the UN Development Programme (UNDP), launched a training program for electoral awareness ambassadors in southern Libya on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
Organized under the supervision of the Women’s Support Unit at the Sebha Electoral Administration Office, the program targets female ambassadors from the second and third cohorts of the southern region. The training is being held at the Sebha office’s training hall and is scheduled to run for three days.
The session was inaugurated by Sebha Office Director, Mr. Al-Sanousi Abdullah, who praised the ambassadors’ contributions to raising electoral awareness and promoting civic participation. He emphasized that the training aims to build a highly qualified cadre of trainers and awareness leaders to support democratic development in Libya.
The first day featured a series of presentations on core election and democracy concepts, led by Ms. Zeinab Al-Aheeresh, Head of the Women’s Support Unit, and Mr. Mohamed Al-Hais, Awareness Coordinator at the office. Trainers included Ali Ahmed Bilal, Mohamed Al-Bukhari, and Fadwa Al-Barki.
Sessions covered topics such as the concept of citizenship and democracy, principles of elections, and an overview of the legal framework governing elections in Libya.
The training will continue for two more days, including hands-on workshops on designing awareness campaigns, crafting effective messaging, and simulated ambassador roles during election periods.
This initiative is part of broader efforts by the HNEC to strengthen women’s participation in the electoral process and foster inclusive democratic practices in Libya’s southern communities.
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.
