Libya’s poll triumph defies political split

Libya completed municipal elections in 58 municipalities on 16 November 2024, achieving a reported 77% voter turnout, according to Electoral Commission head Imad al-Sayeh.

The elections included areas under various political controls, marking a significant democratic exercise despite the country’s east-west political divide.

The elections proceeded in regions under Haftar’s control, where previous military measures had replaced elected mayors with military appointees. Some areas, such as Derna, had previously faced election restrictions before the September 2023 hurricane.

Key political figures responded to the electoral outcome. Parliament Speaker Aguila Saleh viewed the elections as evidence of Libyans’ desire for stability and called for proceeding with presidential and parliamentary elections.

Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah cited the elections’ success as proof against calls for new transitional phases. However, Khalid al-Mishri characterized the turnout as lower than previous elections.

International response was supportive. The P3+2 group (US, UK, France, Italy, and Germany) welcomed the results on 25 November. The G7 nations issued a statement the following day backing the High National Electoral Commission and recognizing the elections as significant for Libyan democratic rights.

The process concluded peacefully on 24 November, with only minor incidents reported in Al-Shwerif. While all political parties express support for national elections, they continue to attribute delays to their opponents in the ongoing political divide dating from 2014.

The views and opinions expressed in this analysis reflect those of the Libyan Express editorial team.