the High National Elections Commission, in the city of Benghazi, participated in the activities of the workshop “On Strengthening the Concept of Electoral Security and the Role of Civil society in the Electoral Process,” in cooperation and coordination between the Commission, the ministry of Interior, and the United Nations Support Mission team in Libya.
The workshop activities were attended by “a number of security and military leaders, from the Commission, Khaled Al-Moussa, Director of the Commission’s Awareness and Dialog Department, a number of employees of the Benghazi Electoral Management Office, Khaled Al-Zarbut, head of the Electoral Security Unit at the Commission, representatives of the Ministry of Interior, and a number of civil society organizations.”
In the first section of the workshop, Khaled Al-Moussa gave a “presentation on the election of municipal councils (first group 2024), the role of civil society organizations in the awareness-raising and electoral monitoring processes, and the moast significant lessons learned from this stage and preparation for the next stage of municipal council elections (second group 2025).”
in the second topic, major General Muhammad Al-Arfi, Brigadier General Khaled Al-Zarbut, Brigadier General Imad Al-Issawi, and Brigadier General Walid Othman from the ministry of Interior gave a “presentation on the importance of strengthening the concept of electoral security, the role of security in the success of municipal council elections, and the most critically important lessons learned in preparation for the next stage.”
It shoudl be noted that this workshop comes within the framework of the Commission’s preparations to launch the second group of municipal council elections in 2025.
Last updated: December 4, 2024 – 16:14
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- What initiatives are being implemented to strengthen civil society’s involvement in the electoral process in Libya?
Title: Enhancing Electoral Security in Libya: An Interview with Electoral Process Expert Khaled Al-Moussa
Q: Welcome, Khaled Al-Moussa. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent workshop on electoral security in Libya. Can you tell us about the objectives of this workshop?
A: Thank you for having me. The workshop, held in Benghazi and organized by the High National elections Commission in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, aimed to strengthen the concept of electoral security. Our objective was to promote the crucial role that civil society organizations play in the electoral process, particularly as we prepare for the upcoming municipal council elections in 2025.
Q: that’s insightful.What were some key takeaways from your presentation on the role of civil society in elections?
A: A important theme in my presentation was the importance of civil society organizations in raising awareness about electoral processes and their vital role in electoral monitoring. As we have learned from past municipal council elections, engaging civil society not only bolsters the openness of the electoral process but also empowers citizens to participate actively in democracy. the lessons learned from the frist group of elections in 2024 will guide our preparations for the next cycle.
Q: Can you elaborate on the presentations by senior military and security leaders during the workshop? What were their contributions to the topic of electoral security?
A: Absolutely. Major General Muhammad Al-Arfi and his colleagues discussed the critical importance of electoral security and how it contributes to the overall success of municipal council elections. They emphasized that a secure electoral surroundings safeguards the integrity of the process and ensures voters’ and candidates’ safety. We shared insights on past security challenges and the strategies formulated to address them, ensuring a robust framework for our forthcoming elections.
Q: As the municipal council elections in 2025 approach, what steps are being taken to ensure effective election management and security?
A: We are actively preparing by enhancing coordination among various stakeholders, including security forces, electoral authorities, and civil society groups. This collaboration is key to developing complete strategies that address security threats and promote voter confidence. We will also continue to refine our training programs for electoral staff and security personnel to ensure they are well-equipped to handle any situation that may arise during the elections.
Q: In your view, how critical is the role of civil society in sustaining democracy in Libya?
A: Civil society is the backbone of a thriving democracy. By educating citizens about their rights and the electoral process, civil society organizations foster an informed electorate that can hold institutions accountable.this participative approach not only strengthens democratic values but also enhances public trust in electoral outcomes, which is essential for long-term stability in Libya.
Q: What practical advice can you share with voters as we move closer to the elections?
A: I encourage voters to stay informed about the electoral process, engage with local civil society organizations, and participate actively in awareness campaigns. Understanding the importance of their vote and the electoral system can empower them and ensure that their voices are heard. Moreover, voters should report any irregularities or concerns to responsible authorities to enhance the transparency of the electoral process.
Q: Thank you, Khaled al-Moussa, for sharing your insights. As Libya prepares for its next election cycle, the importance of electoral security and the active involvement of civil society cannot be overstated. We appreciate your time.
A: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing an engaged and informed electorate contributing to Libya’s democratic journey.