The head of the High National Elections Commission, Imad Al-Sayeh, said that the voter turnout in the municipal council elections reached more than 77%.
Al-Sayeh added in a press conference regarding the announcement of the results of the municipal elections, on Sunday, that this percentage is the highest recorded by the Commission so far compared to previous electoral processes, noting that securing the municipal elections was at a very high level, as he put it.
In the largest municipal elections in the first group, the Commission announced the victory of the “Emaar List” in the Misrata municipal elections, and the victory of (Fathi Al-Turki, Jibril Al-Raid, Othman Issa, and Ihab Al-Bireh) in the individuals’ competition.
The Commission also announced the partial cancellation of the elections in the municipality of Al-Shuwerf, due to “a violation in one of the electoral centers in Al-Shuwerf, represented by an infringement on voters’ votes at one of the stations,” according to Al-Sayeh.
The Chairman of the Commission also attributed the reason for the increase in days before announcing the results to scrutiny of review requests and not to detect fraud.
Al-Sayeh added that the Commission received 92 requests for review, pointing out that the Counting and Statistics Center received 1,550 results forms, the review of which required returning to the polls.
The Chairman of the Commission also reported that the Complaints Committee received 38 objections and complaints outside the ballot boxes, stressing that they do not affect the election results, he said.
The Chairman of the Commission announced that the date for the elections for the second group of municipal councils has been set for next January 25, with the start of the electoral appeals period tomorrow, Monday, for a period of 15 days.
The head of the Election Commission also announced the equality of votes in the list elections in the municipalities of Zintan and Nessma, explaining that they will resort to drawing lots to decide on the two lists after the end of the appeals period, according to what is stipulated in the executive regulations for municipal council elections, according to him.
In the same context, the Commission called on all candidates, “individual or list,” to submit a detailed financial report to the Commission, certified by a chartered accountant, that includes the total revenues obtained during the election campaign and expenses within 10 days from the date of polling day.
The Commission explained that the final result of the candidate or list will be withheld if this is not submitted, she said.
Source: Press conference + High National Elections Commission
What are the key factors that contributed to the high voter turnout in Libya’s municipal elections?
Interview Title: Turning the Tide: A Conversation on Libya’s Municipal Elections
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to our special segment on the recent municipal elections in Libya. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Amina El-Hakim, a political analyst and expert in electoral processes in the MENA region. Dr. El-Hakim, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Amina El-Hakim: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss these important developments.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in! The High National Elections Commission announced a remarkable voter turnout of over 77%. How significant is this number in the context of Libya’s recent history?
Dr. Amina El-Hakim: This turnout is indeed significant and marks a crucial step in Libya’s political journey. Given the challenges the country has faced in establishing a stable democracy, a turnout of over 77% reflects a renewed enthusiasm among the populace to engage in the electoral process. It suggests that citizens are eager to take part in shaping their future, which is a positive sign for democratic governance.
Time.news Editor: Imad Al-Sayeh mentioned that this is the highest recorded turnout compared to previous elections. What do you think contributed to this increase?
Dr. Amina El-Hakim: Several factors could have played a role. Firstly, there might be a growing public awareness of the importance of local governance and its direct impact on their lives. Additionally, the campaigns leading up to the elections may have been more effective in mobilizing voters. Moreover, this specific election cycle might have benefited from a sense of hope and potential for change among the electorate.
Time.news Editor: In Misrata, the “Emaar List” won the municipal elections. What does this victory indicate about political trends in the region?
Dr. Amina El-Hakim: The success of the “Emaar List” could indicate a shift towards more organized political groups. It reflects how voters may be gravitating towards platforms that promise development and progressive management of local resources. This trend can also illustrate a desire for parties that are perceived as legitimate and capable of addressing community needs.
Time.news Editor: Interestingly, there was a partial cancellation of elections in Al-Shuwerf due to violations at one of the electoral centers. How does this affect the integrity of the electoral process?
Dr. Amina El-Hakim: Instances like this highlight the ongoing challenges facing electoral integrity. While it’s positive that the Commission identified and responded to the violation, such incidents can undermine public confidence in the electoral system if they are not handled transparently. However, it’s commendable that the Commission is rigorous about reviewing requests and ensuring that the process remains fair, signaling commitment to upholding democratic standards.
Time.news Editor: Al-Sayeh also mentioned the scrutiny involved in the review process for results. How crucial is transparency in building trust in electoral outcomes?
Dr. Amina El-Hakim: Transparency is fundamental in the electoral process. When citizens can see that there are measures in place to review and ensure the integrity of elections, it boosts their confidence in the outcomes. An open dialog about the mechanisms, especially when results are contested, is essential for fostering trust. In the long term, consistent transparency will be key in helping to solidify democratic practices in Libya.
Time.news Editor: with 92 requests for review received by the Commission, what implications does this have for future elections?
Dr. Amina El-Hakim: This indicates active civic engagement and a vigilant electorate. It shows that citizens are willing to hold the electoral process accountable. For future elections, this may encourage the Commission to strengthen its procedures, ensuring that any potential violations are addressed swiftly. Continuous feedback like this is essential for the evolution of the electoral system in Libya.
Time.news Editor: Dr. El-Hakim, thank you for your insights today! It’s clear that these elections represent a hopeful step forward for Libya. We appreciate your time and expertise.
Dr. Amina El-Hakim: Thank you! It was a pleasure to discuss these pressing issues.
Time.news Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed as we continue to cover developments in Libya and across the globe.