Unidentified Attackers Set Fire to Libya's Coastal Election Office

Libya Review

2 days ago

Unidentified attackers attempted to set fire to the Electoral Administration Office in Libya's western coastal region, in what appears to be another deliberate strike against the country's fragile election process.
According to the office's head, Ahmed Al-Arbash, security authorities alerted him early this morning that the facility had caught fire. While the full extent of the damage has yet to be confirmed, initial reports indicate that some equipment was destroyed beyond repair, while certain documents and devices were successfully recovered. Security forces have opened an investigation, and the High National Election Commission (HNEC) has been informed. Al-Arbash said it will be up to the commission to decide whether electoral operations in the area will continue as scheduled.
The incident follows a worrying pattern of targeted attacks on election offices. Recently, the HNEC branch in Zliten was assaulted by armed assailants who opened fire, planted an explosive device with a timer, and fired an RPG grenade. The projectile missed its intended target and hit a civilian home, causing material damage but no injuries.
Observers warn that such acts are calculated attempts to sabotage Libya's already delicate electoral preparations, undermine public confidence, and intimidate voters and election workers. The western coastal region, like much of the country, remains vulnerable to politically motivated violence, fueled by local rivalries, the presence of armed groups, and ongoing disputes over the electoral process itself.
The repeated targeting of electoral infrastructure raises serious concerns about security readiness ahead of any national vote. Ensuring the protection of these facilities and personnel has become a pressing priority for both Libyan authorities and international partners who view elections as a vital step toward stability.
The HNEC now faces the challenge of restoring damaged operations quickly while reassuring the public that violence will not derail the democratic process. However, without stronger preventive measures and a coordinated security plan, experts warn that similar attacks could continue, threatening to delay or disrupt any future elections. Tags: attackElectionsFirelibyaWest LibyaZliten