The United Nations Special Envoy to Libya, Hannah Tetteh, confirmed that the second round of municipal elections held on Saturday saw a significant voter turnout of 71%. She praised the public participation, calling it a “clear indication of the Libyan people’s desire to select their local representatives and take part in shaping their political future.”
Observers regarded this voting process as a crucial test for the presidential and parliamentary elections, which Libyans have been awaiting since their indefinite postponement in 2021.
In a press statement made yesterday, reported by a local media outlet, Tetteh noted that she visited two polling centers in the capital city of Tripoli. She observed a high level of organization and preparedness, commending the dedication of the election staff in facilitating the process and ensuring its transparency.
She added that the determination and resolve she witnessed among Libyans and the organizations managing the elections are positive signs that the people are eager to establish a stable and democratic state through the ballot box.
Tetteh quoted an international observer in the Andalus district stating that “the municipal elections represent a beacon of hope towards holding national elections and achieving the desired political change.” She reiterated that the United Nations Support Mission in Libya will continue to provide technical and logistical support to assist Libyans along this path.
On Saturday, tens of thousands of Libyans cast their votes for representatives in over 20 municipalities, including Tripoli, despite the National High Commission for Elections having to postpone voting in several centers due to violations and incidents.
Polling stations closed at 6 PM local time. According to the National High Commission for Elections, the initial turnout rate stood at 71% following the closure of the polling centers.
Sami Al-Tajouri, a 62-year-old engineer from the capital, stated, “Voting in Tripoli is important for me because it makes me feel useful.” He mentioned that his three children voted for the first time, expressing hope that they would be able to cast their ballots in the presidential and parliamentary elections soon.
Originally Planned
The elections were initially set to take place in 63 municipalities, distributed as follows: 41 in the west, 13 in the east, and 9 in the south.
However, the National High Commission for Elections announced that the elections would proceed in only 26 municipal councils after canceling voting in several towns in the east and south due to violations, local authority pressures, and administrative obstacles. Cities in the east, such as Benghazi, Tobruk, and Sirte, refused to allow elections to be held.
The Commission also announced that the voting process for seven municipalities in western Libya was postponed to the 23rd of this month due to “overt assaults” faced by its offices in those areas.
Throughout the past week, armed groups attacked the election offices in the cities of Zliten, Zawiya, and Ajilat in the west, damaging facilities and voting materials, and injuring two individuals.