On Monday, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) launched a nationwide public consultation effort aimed at involving Libyans in shaping the country’s future political roadmap.
More than 10,000 Libyans have already participated in the digital public opinion survey, designed to collect views on how to move the country toward credible national elections and lasting political stability.
The initiative, part of UNSMIL’s broader effort to ensure an inclusive and Libyan-led political process, invites citizens from all parts of the country to contribute their opinions before the survey closes. It focuses on four key proposals developed by an advisory committee, while also exploring essential issues such as conditions for a peaceful transfer of power, mechanisms for political continuity, and public trust in the process.
Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Libya, Hanna Tetteh, emphasized that broad public engagement is essential for legitimacy. “We want to listen to Libyans from all communities and all regions,” she said. “A truly inclusive process is the only path to national unity and elections.”
UNSMIL is placing special emphasis on ensuring that women, cultural minorities, and people with disabilities are actively included. It also issued a direct call for residents of southern and eastern Libya to join the consultation, noting their voices are critical to achieving a representative outcome.
In addition to the online platform, UNSMIL is conducting two additional telephone-based surveys through a professional polling firm. This dual approach aims to widen participation beyond those with internet access and ensure the input reflects a broad cross-section of Libyan society.
Libya’s electoral process has faced repeated delays due to institutional fragmentation, competing governments, and a lack of legal consensus.
