Tripoli: The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Saturday welcomed the opening of polling stations in 26 municipalities across the country as part of the second round of local council elections.

According to Anadolu Agency, the mission stated that the elections provide Libyan citizens in these municipalities with an opportunity to exercise their political rights and engage in the democratic process by renewing the legitimacy of local authorities through peaceful, inclusive, and transparent elections.

UNSMIL commended the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) for its technical preparations and its unwavering commitment to ensuring credible electoral operations despite facing significant operational and security challenges. The mission also urged all registered voters to exercise their rights by casting their votes, while calling on relevant authorities to support the electoral process by ensuring a secure environment for polling operations and respecting the integrity and results of the elections.

However, UNSMIL expressed regret over the fact that numerous municipalities will be deprived of elections due to instructions from security institutions of the House of Representatives (HoR)-appointed government. It noted that no municipal elections are taking place in regions controlled by that government, despite the registration of voters and candidates, which it deemed a violation of the political rights of Libyan citizens.

The mission reiterated its commitment to supporting Libyan-led efforts aimed at advancing peace, stability, and democratic governance throughout the country. Libya remains politically divided between two rival administrations: one led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh in Tripoli, which controls the western part of the country, and another led by Osama Hammad, appointed by the HoR in early 2022, based in Benghazi, which governs the east and much of the south.