The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has welcomed the announcement of preliminary results for municipal elections in 26 municipalities across western Libya.
The mission urged all political and social actors to respect the will of the voters and accept the results peacefully, stressing that any objections or appeals should be pursued through judicial mechanisms.
UNSMIL commended the smooth start of voting in seven municipalities—Central Zawiya, Zawiya Al-Wusta, Zawiya Al-Gharb, Zawiya Al-Shamal, Sabratha, Surman, and Bir Al-Ghanem. The mission highlighted that these elections proceeded successfully despite last week’s arson attack on an electoral warehouse in Zawiya, which had temporarily raised concerns about the security of the process.
The UN mission encouraged all registered voters to take part actively in the elections, underlining that casting ballots is a vital step toward strengthening trust between citizens and local authorities. According to UNSMIL, the municipal vote represents a cornerstone in consolidating accountability and enhancing democratic governance at the grassroots level in Libya.
The mission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Libya’s democratic transition and emphasized that peaceful municipal elections are an important foundation for broader national stability.
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.
