On Saturday, August 16, 2025, the second phase of municipal elections began in Libya, which was originally scheduled to cover 50 municipal councils: 34 in the west, 8 in the south, and 8 in the east. But it covered 26 municipal councils. The High National Elections Commission explained that voting did not take place in the remaining municipalities for various reasons, including attacks on some of its offices, as well as instructions issued by security agencies affiliated with the government appointed by the House of Representatives to suspend voting in 27 municipalities.
Voters cast their ballots in several cities in western Libya, including Tripoli, Nalut, Al-Jumayl, Al-Manshiya, Riqdalin, and Al-Ajilat, while decisions by security authorities in the east prevented elections from being held in 26 municipalities. According to the Elections Commission, security forces under the authority of the parliament-appointed government led by Osama Hamad halted the electoral process.
For its part, the United Nations Mission in Libya condemned the denial of citizens’ right to vote in dozens of municipalities, describing it as “a blatant violation of the most basic political rights.” The mission urged the relevant authorities to support the electoral process, ensure a safe environment for voting, and respect the integrity of the elections and their results.
Meanwhile, in recent days, election offices in the western coastal cities, as well as in Al-Zawiya and Zliten, came under armed attacks and assaults that resulted in the burning of election materials and damage to buildings.
Committee for justice stressed that depriving citizens of their right to participate in municipal elections constitutes a fundamental violation of the political rights guaranteed under international law and the Libyan constitution. The Committee emphasized the necessity for all political and security actors to uphold the right of Libyans to freely and unconditionally choose their representatives, and to put an end to all forms of interference or disruption of the electoral process.
The Committee also called for a transparent and independent investigation into the attacks that targeted the Commission’s offices and obstructed the elections, and for holding those responsible accountable, warning that impunity threatens the future of the democratic path in the country. Furthermore, it urged the international community, particularly the United Nations Mission, to continue exerting pressure on the authorities to ensure the completion of the electoral process in a safe environment that upholds the principles of integrity and transparency and guarantees equal opportunities for all Libyans.
