The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has commended the successful conduct of polling for the first group of 58 Municipal Councils on 16 November, organized by the High National Elections Commission (HNEC).
UNSMIL congratulated in a statement the Libyan people for their impressive 74% voter turnout and HNEC for ensuring a technically sound and inclusive electoral process.
HNEC issued on Sunday figures for the first phase of the municipal elections, which were held last Saturday in 58 municipalities distributed over 16 electoral offices, including 352 polling stations in 77 polling centers. It recorded a participation rate of 74%.
The number of registered voters reached 186,055, including 130,000 men and 56,000 women, while the number of candidates reached 1,786 candidates within 159 lists, in addition to 545 candidates within the individual-independant system.
Meanwhile, UNSMIL also hailed the dedications of security agencies involved in ensuring a safe environment for the elections to take place, saying it remains committed to supporting Libya’s electoral process and ensuring an outcome that reflects the will of the Libyan people.
“This municipal election is an important step towards strengthening democracy and ensuring accountable and responsive governance and legitimacy of Libyan institutions.” UNSMIL added.
