Libya’s High National Elections Commission (HNEC) has announced the postponement of the preliminary results of the third group of municipal council elections, citing ongoing legal challenges before the courts.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the commission said the delay was due to seven formal appeals filed with the competent judicial authorities in municipalities where voting took place. HNEC stressed that the preliminary results would only be announced once the judiciary issues final rulings on all pending cases, in line with legal procedures governing electoral disputes in Libya.
The elections were held on Saturday across several municipalities, including Al-Abyar, Benghazi, Qaminis, Qasr Al-Jadi, Soloug, Sebha, Sirte, Tobruk and Tocra. The vote was conducted under direct supervision by the commission, with security arrangements aimed at ensuring the smooth running of the process.
According to HNEC, voter turnout reached around 69%, a relatively high participation rate compared to previous municipal elections. The commission said 82,893 voters cast their ballots, reflecting continued public engagement in local governance despite Libya’s broader political divisions and delays in holding national elections.
Municipal elections are seen as one of the few functioning democratic processes in Libya, providing local communities with elected councils responsible for basic services and local administration. While technically successful, the elections also highlight ongoing challenges, including legal disputes, institutional fragmentation and concerns over the speed of judicial review.
The commission reiterated its commitment to transparency and neutrality, emphasising that respecting judicial decisions is essential to maintaining confidence in the electoral process. It also urged candidates and voters to remain patient while legal procedures are completed, warning against misinformation that could undermine public trust.
The delay comes amid renewed international and domestic calls to strengthen Libya’s electoral framework, unify institutions and ensure the independence of the judiciary. While municipal elections have progressed in stages, uncertainty continues to surround the timeline for long-awaited national elections, which remain stalled due to political disagreements over the constitutional basis and electoral laws.
HNEC said it would promptly inform the public once court rulings are issued, allowing the announcement of preliminary results and the next steps toward certifying the elected municipal councils.
