On Monday, the head of Libya’s High National Elections Commission (HNEC), Emad Al-Sayeh, called on international partners to step up their support for the country’s ongoing electoral process.
During a meeting in Tripoli with Stephanie Khoury, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya, Al-Sayeh stressed that continued technical and logistical backing is critical to maintain momentum and deliver credible elections.
The talks focused on preparations for the second round of municipal council elections scheduled for 2025. With the distribution of voter cards nearly complete, HNEC is entering the final phase of organizing the vote, which it describes as a key milestone for local governance and stability.
Al-Sayeh outlined the Commission’s readiness to implement the elections based on a detailed timeline that adheres to high standards of integrity and transparency. However, he warned that without active and consistent international engagement—especially from the UN and the UN Development Programme (UNDP)—the process could stall due to political and technical constraints.
He also noted that electoral efforts are proceeding in a complex environment, with overlapping political agendas and institutional fragmentation. In this context, coordinated support from international stakeholders is not just helpful—it is essential.
Khoury reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting HNEC through advisory and technical assistance. She emphasized the importance of successful municipal elections in laying the groundwork for broader national elections and restoring democratic legitimacy in Libya.
Both parties agreed that while the commission is operationally prepared, stronger cooperation and coordination with donors and implementing partners are urgently needed to overcome persistent obstacles.
The meeting is part of the UN’s broader push to encourage Libya’s political institutions to take concrete steps toward holding inclusive and transparent elections, seen as a necessary path toward long-term peace and constitutional governance.
