On Monday, the embassies of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States issued a joint statement praising the announcement of municipal election results in 58 municipalities across Libya.
The statement commended Libya’s High National Elections Commission (HNEC) for successfully managing the electoral process, acknowledging the crucial roles played by Libyan authorities, civil society, and other stakeholders in ensuring a secure and transparent election.
The embassies also highlighted the essential contributions of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in supporting the process.
The elected municipal leaders, the statement emphasized, have received a clear mandate from the Libyan people. It called on relevant authorities to provide these leaders with the support they need to effectively serve their communities and contribute to the country’s broader development goals.
The embassies urged Libya to capitalize on the momentum generated by this success and prepare for the second phase of municipal elections, expected to commence soon. They called on Libyan authorities to ensure sufficient funding and resources to secure the continuity and integrity of the electoral process.
The statement concluded with a hopeful message, encouraging Libyans to use this milestone as a foundation for creating a credible roadmap toward successful national elections. The embassies reiterated their support for an inclusive electoral process facilitated by the United Nations.
The municipal elections represent a vital step in Libya’s efforts to rebuild democratic institutions and empower local governance. In a country grappling with political fragmentation and years of conflict, the ability to organize successful elections is a testament to the resilience and determination of Libyan institutions and citizens.
