Libyans go to polls in restricted local elections

Libyans across 50 municipalities voted in local elections in areas controlled by the Tripoli Government, according to Al-Monitor via AFP on August 16^th.

However, opposition from the rival administration, backed by military leader Khalifa Haftar, prevented elections from proceeding nationwide.

Since Gaddafi was overthrown in 2011, Libya has been split between the UN-recognised government, led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, and its eastern rival, backed by Haftar with support from Russia and Egypt.

These elections were seen as an acid test for democracy that has been in turmoil since the NATO-backed uprising ousted Gaddafi. The United Nations has since made extensive efforts to facilitate elections in Libya.

The UN Support Mission in Libya praised organisers for the conduct of Saturday’s elections, whilst criticising Haftar’s eastern administration for violating voters’ rights in areas under its control.

Furthermore, the build-up to these elections has been beset with issues, with an electoral administration office subjected to an armed attack.

Citizens who did vote in the allowed areas, including the capital, Tripoli, were grateful for the opportunity. For some, it was their first time voting.

Sami al-Tajuri, a 62-year-old architect, said, “Voting today in Tripoli is crucial for me because it makes me feel useful.” He added that his three children were voting for the first time.

“It’s frustrating to see that I can have my say in who will represent me, but so many other Libyans, especially in the east, cannot.”

Elections were initially scheduled for 63 municipalities, but the High National Election Commission suspended elections in 11 municipalities, predominantly in Haftar-controlled areas, due to “irregularities”.

Turnout in municipalities where elections were held reached 71% according to provisional figures.

Despite the delays that have plagued the upcoming elections, it seems the relatively strong turnout has prevented a repeat of the municipal elections of 2013 and legislative elections of 2014, which were marred by a very low turnout and violence.

Al-Monitor via AFP, Maghrebi.org