Libya's Second Phase of Municipal Elections Scheduled for Mid-August
In a statement published on the commission's official Facebook page,
Al-Sayeh explained that the extended timeline for this electoral phase was primarily due to the need to thoroughly verify the criminal records of over 4,000 candidates.
Additional delays were caused by public holidays, religious observances, and recent security incidents in the capital, Tripoli.
Despite the setbacks, preparations are moving forward. Al-Sayeh announced that the printing of voter ID cards and ballot papers has been completed. Distribution of the 'Voter' cards will begin on Saturday, 28 June, and will continue for three weeks.
Simultaneously, the official campaigning period for candidates will also begin on 28 June and continue until the day of electoral silence, which precedes voting day.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Commission issued a new decision requiring candidates to strictly adhere to the campaign rules outlined in Chapter Eight of Executive Regulation No. 43 of 2023, which governs the conduct of municipal elections.
The HNEC also urged state-run and official media outlets to coordinate with the commission to allocate appropriate airtime and space for candidates to present their electoral programs.
Furthermore, all campaign activities will be subject to monitoring by organizations officially accredited by the commission to ensure transparency and fair practice.
This phase of the municipal elections includes dozens of towns and cities, where local governance is crucial for delivering public services and fostering stability.
Earlier this month, the HNEC finalized and published the official list of candidates qualified to contest in this round of elections, completing another major step in Libya's ongoing effort to re-establish functioning local institutions across the country. Tags: Electoral CommissionlibyaMunicipal Elections
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Libya Review
3 days ago
- Libya Review
Libyan Militia Leader Arrested in Germany Under ICC Warrant
Khaled al-Hishri, also known as 'Al-Buti', a senior commander in Libya's controversial Rada militia, has been arrested by German authorities at Frankfurt Airport. The arrest took place earlier this month but only came to light recently through reports in the Italian newspaper Avvenire. Al-Hishri is the deputy of Osama Najim, the head of operations for the Judicial Police, who is also wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC). According to Avvenire, al-Hishri was detained based on a sealed arrest warrant issued by the ICC in The Hague for serious crimes allegedly committed in Libya. These crimes include arbitrary detention, torture, sexual violence, confiscation of property, and inhumane treatment of detainees—primarily at Mitiga prison in Tripoli, which was under the control of the Rada Special Deterrence Force. The ICC had recently confirmed to the United Nations Security Council the issuance of six new arrest warrants related to crimes in Libya, though most of them remained confidential. It is now widely believed that al-Hishri is one of those targeted. Al-Hishri's arrest comes amid mounting international pressure over the human rights abuses associated with the Rada militia, which has long operated as a powerful armed group with links to Libya's interior institutions. Despite its formal ties to the central government, Rada has been accused of functioning as a parallel security apparatus, operating beyond judicial oversight. Two days before al-Hishri's arrest, Libya's Government of National Unity in Tripoli revoked all functional immunities for his superior, Usama al-Masri. That move signaled a possible shift in official posture, amid growing scrutiny from international bodies and mounting evidence of war crimes. Human rights groups have long demanded accountability for violations inside Mitiga prison. A 2021 report by the UN Panel of Experts documented widespread abuses under al-Hishri's supervision. Investigators cited credible testimony of arbitrary detention, torture, sexual abuse, and humiliation of women, alongside reports of systematic theft and extortion. The German judiciary is now reviewing the ICC's extradition request. If approved, al-Hishri could become the first Libyan militia leader extradited to The Hague to face trial. His transfer would be a landmark development for international justice and could pave the way for further prosecutions tied to crimes committed by armed groups in post-revolution Libya. Reactions from European lawmakers have already surfaced. Some critics have called for consistency in the handling of war crimes suspects, referencing Italy's controversial repatriation of Usama al-Masri earlier this year. Others, including international rights activists, have called al-Hishri's arrest a rare opportunity to hold perpetrators accountable. Tags: germanyicclibyamilitiasWar Crimes
Libya Review
3 days ago
- Libya Review
Libyan MP Urges Government to Dismantle Armed Militias
A member of the Libyan House of Representatives, MP Ali Al-Soul, has called for the disbanding of all armed militias and their integration into the regular army, stressing that disarmament is crucial for achieving political stability and preparing the country for elections. In a press statement, Al-Soul stated, 'Committing to the dissolution of militias could pave the way for forming a new government and eventually holding national elections.' He emphasised that a unified national army is essential to restore security and legitimacy across Libya. Al-Soul's comments follow renewed calls from the Defence and National Security Committee in the House of Representatives. The committee previously issued a statement urging all armed groups in Tripoli to disband and hand over their weapons. The committee also called for full support of the Libyan National Army (LNA) as the sole legitimate security institution capable of restoring order. The committee's statement warned that the presence of multiple armed factions, particularly in the capital, continues to undermine national sovereignty and prevent the country from progressing towards democratic governance. It stressed that disarming militias and supporting the army are necessary steps to create a secure environment for holding free and fair elections. Militia dominance in Tripoli has been a long-standing issue, with rival groups frequently clashing over control, often disrupting government functions and endangering civilians. Many Libyans have voiced frustration over the political deadlock and lack of security, hoping for a shift towards unity and the rule of law. As international efforts to mediate a political solution continue, the push for dismantling militias is gaining momentum among lawmakers seeking a fresh start for Libya. Tags: Electionslibyamilitiastripoli
Libya Review
5 days ago
- Libya Review
UK Reaffirms Support for Libya's Electoral Process
The Chairman of Libya's High National Elections Commission (HNEC), Emad Al-Sayeh, held a meeting in Tripoli on Tuesday with the UK Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, Hamish Falconer, to discuss developments in Libya's electoral process. The talks, which also included British Ambassador Martin Longden and HNEC board member Abdelhakim Al-Shaab, focused on preparations for upcoming electoral milestones, particularly municipal council elections. Both sides reviewed ongoing efforts to ensure a secure and transparent electoral environment, as well as the technical and logistical challenges faced by the Commission. According to a statement from HNEC, Lord Ahmad reaffirmed the UK's full support for the Commission's efforts. He stressed that fair and transparent elections are essential to Libya's path toward political stability and the formation of legitimate institutions. The UK minister also praised HNEC's technical readiness and professionalism, noting the Commission's commitment to meeting international standards. Al-Sayeh, in turn, expressed appreciation for the UK's continued backing. He underscored the value of international cooperation in strengthening Libya's democratic process, and reiterated HNEC's pledge to operate with neutrality, transparency, and a firm focus on restoring public trust in electoral mechanisms. The meeting comes at a critical time as Libya attempts to navigate a protracted political transition, marked by delays in national elections and ongoing institutional divisions. Municipal elections, seen as a step toward rebuilding local governance and political legitimacy, are widely anticipated across the country. As foreign partners like the UK continue to engage with Libyan institutions, the international community is signalling its readiness to support a credible and inclusive electoral roadmap for the country. Tags: HNEClibyaLibyan ElectionsUK
