Members of Benghazi’s Municipal Council have elected legal adviser Ezzedine Al-Gharabi as mayor of the city, marking the start of a new administrative phase for Libya’s second-largest urban centre.
Al-Gharabi was selected by consensus after being the sole candidate for the post, according to officials at the High National Elections Commission (HNEC). The endorsement took place at the headquarters of the HNEC’s Greater Electoral Administration Office, following the completion of all required legal and organisational procedures.
In his first remarks after the appointment, Al-Gharabi said the municipal council has a “realistic vision” aimed at serving Benghazi and improving the performance of the municipality. He stressed that the council would work to enhance public services and address the daily concerns of residents across the city.
Al-Gharabi also underlined the council’s commitment to supporting Libya’s military institution, the Libyan government and the Development and Reconstruction Fund. He said cooperation with these bodies is essential to ensuring stability, advancing reconstruction efforts and improving living conditions for citizens within the municipality’s jurisdiction.
The newly appointed mayor noted that all municipal files are a priority, with particular emphasis on the health and education sectors. He said improving hospitals, clinics and schools would be central to the council’s agenda, given their direct impact on citizens’ quality of life.
Suad Al-Uribi, an elected member of Benghazi’s Municipal Council, confirmed that Al-Gharabi’s appointment was approved unanimously by council members. She said the decision reflects a shared desire to move forward with a unified vision for the city’s administration.
Al-Uribi expressed hope that the coming period would be characterised by construction, development and reliance on national expertise to advance Benghazi’s recovery. She added that the municipality is expected to formally begin work in the near future, likely at the start of the coming week.