Ankara: Libya held elections in seven municipalities in the country's northwest on Saturday, following a week-long delay due to security concerns.

According to Anadolu Agency, Libya's High National Election Commission (HNEC) announced that the polls were conducted in Zawiya Markaz, Zawiya Wassat, Zawya Gharb, Zawya Chamal, Sabrata, Sormane, and Bir Ghnam. The elections, initially scheduled for last week, were postponed after an attack on the commission's facilities in Zawiya.

The first phase of elections took place last November for 58 municipalities, while the second phase covered 26 municipal councils earlier this month. The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) welcomed the elections and urged all parties to accept the results peacefully and use judicial channels for any objections. UNSMIL also encouraged voter participation and called on the government to ensure the continuation of elections in suspended areas, emphasizing the importance of political rights and local governance participation.

Libya continues to be divided between two rival administrations. The western part of the country is led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh in Tripoli, while the east and much of the south are governed by Osama Hammad, appointed by the House of Representatives in early 2022 and based in Benghazi.