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Libyan University Students Urge End to Delay in National Elections

Libyan University Students Urge End to Delay in National Elections

Libya Review18-07-2025
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) hosted a virtual consultation session on Wednesday with 57 university students from across the country to gather youth perspectives on the future of Libya's political process.
Students from 18 municipalities — including Tripoli Center, Abu Salim, Hay Al-Andalus, Ain Zara, Qasr Bin Ghashir, Zawiya, Sabratha, Gharyan, Zintan, Kabaw, Al-Arban, Al-Khums, Sirte, Benghazi, Al-Bayda, Sabha, Bint Baya, and Murzuq — participated in the discussion. They strongly emphasized the urgent need to hold comprehensive presidential and parliamentary elections to restore legitimacy and ensure lasting stability in Libya.
Students Back Simultaneous Elections to End Division
Most participants favored the first of the advisory committee's proposals — calling for near-simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections — as a way to prevent further political fragmentation.
They also highlighted the importance of unifying Libya's divided military and sovereign institutions, warning that the continued fragmentation risks deepening the country's political crisis. Many expressed concern over widespread corruption, which they said poses a serious threat to the credibility of the electoral process.
Concerns Over Marginalization and Representation
Several students raised concerns about the exclusion of certain cultural and social groups from Libya's political landscape, arguing that such marginalization presents additional barriers to inclusive and fair elections.
The session was part of UNSMIL's ongoing initiative to amplify youth voices and promote their involvement in shaping Libya's political future — a crucial step in the broader effort to guide the country toward peace, democracy, and institutional legitimacy. Tags: libyaLibyan Electionsununsmil
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