Libya launches second phase of municipal elections

The High National Elections Commission (HNEC) has launched the second phase of municipal elections in Libya, with polling taking place in 26 councils despite widespread disruption and attacks on electoral offices.

Voting began at 9:00 a.m. local time after those councils completed all preparations. The phase had originally been planned for 63 municipalities, but more than two-thirds were unable to proceed.

Attacks and security orders

The Commission reported “blatant attacks” on its offices in Zawiya, Ajaylat, and Zliten, leading to the postponement of elections in seven municipalities – Zawiya Central, Zawiya Middle, Zawiya North, Zawiya West, Sorman, Sabratha and Bir al-Ghanem. Polling in these areas has been rescheduled for 23 August 2025.

In addition, 16 municipalities in eastern Libya suspended polling following orders from security agencies aligned with the House of Representatives-appointed government in Benghazi. In total, 26 councils were halted by eastern authorities.

“These criminal assaults aimed to deprive Libyans of their right to choose their representatives,” said HNEC board member Abdel Hakim al-Shaab.

Divergent political reactions

The eastern government led by Osama Hammad had not commented by Sunday afternoon. In Tripoli, Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah welcomed the vote as “an important step in building the democratic state we aspire to,” while condemning attempts to prevent citizens from reaching the ballot box.

“Direct elections remain our firm vision and our only route to end political division and bring an end to the prolonged transitional period,” he said.

UN calls for credible process

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) praised the Commission’s technical readiness and commitment to credible elections, while voicing regret over the suspension of polling in dozens of municipalities. It urged all parties to guarantee security and respect the integrity of the results.

The first phase of municipal elections took place on 16 November 2024, covering 58 municipalities. Libya has a total of 143 municipal councils.

Despite violence and suspensions, the Commission described voter turnout as “encouraging”, saying it reflected a growing public awareness of democratic participation.