Libya’s High National Elections Commission (HNEC) has referred the names of 1,197 candidates contesting municipal council elections to the Public Prosecution, citing their failure to submit mandatory financial reports related to election campaigning.
In a statement, HNEC said the referrals involve candidates from the second and third electoral groups, stressing that the move is based on the executive regulations governing municipal council elections. These regulations require every candidate or electoral list to submit a detailed and certified financial statement outlining campaign revenues, funding sources, total expenditures and spending categories.
According to the commission, 775 candidates from the second group and 422 from the third group failed to comply with these legal requirements, prompting the referral to prosecutors.
HNEC underlined that the submission of campaign finance reports is a legal obligation designed to ensure transparency, integrity and fairness in the electoral process. The reports must be audited and certified by a licensed accountant, in line with Libyan electoral legislation.
The commission warned that failure to submit financial disclosures constitutes a clear legal violation, punishable under existing laws. Potential penalties include exclusion from the electoral process, imprisonment, financial fines and a ban from running in one future electoral cycle, without prejudice to harsher penalties stipulated in the Penal Code or other applicable laws.
HNEC stressed that these measures are intended to uphold the rule of law and prevent illicit funding or misuse of campaign resources, particularly at the municipal level, where local governance plays a direct role in citizens’ daily lives.
The commission reiterated its commitment to enforcing electoral laws equally and without exception, affirming that all candidates are subject to the same legal standards regardless of political affiliation or regional background.
Municipal elections are viewed as a key step in strengthening local governance in Libya, amid continued political fragmentation and calls for greater accountability and transparency in public life.
