The British Embassy in Libya has voiced strong support for the municipal council elections scheduled to take place on Saturday across the country, while condemning attempts to undermine the democratic process.
In a statement issued on Friday, the embassy expressed deep concern over efforts to obstruct democracy and deny Libyans their right to choose local leadership, including through acts of violence. It stressed that such actions threaten the ability of citizens to freely elect their representatives.
The embassy also praised the High National Election Commission (HNEC) for its role in safeguarding the democratic rights of Libyans.
The statement came in response to a recent announcement by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), which condemned an armed attack by unidentified assailants on the HNEC office in Zliten. The assault caused damage to the building and left two people injured.
UNSMIL warned that such acts are aimed at intimidating voters, candidates, and election officials, preventing them from exercising their political rights and participating in the democratic 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.
