Mayors from Libya’s eastern, southern, and western municipal councils take office after being elected by the High National Elections Commission, in an event held in Benghazi.
Soldecanarias.net / Adeje
In a significant move toward strengthening local governance in Libya, the newly elected mayors of municipal councils from the country’s eastern, southern, and western regions were officially sworn in during a ceremony presided over by Libya’s Minister of Local Government, Dr. Sami Al-Dawy. The event took place at the Prime Minister’s Council headquarters in Benghazi.
The ceremony also included the participation of the spokesperson for the Ministry of Elections and Local Government, Dr. Abubakar Al-Zouy, and was conducted in accordance with the directive issued by the President of the High National Elections Commission, Dr. Emad Al-Saeh, on December 30 of last year.
A Step Toward Democratic Decentralization
The election of these mayors, organized by the High National Elections Commission, reflects a significant effort to strengthen local governance in Libya and ensure equitable representation across the country’s regions. This initiative aims to promote greater citizen participation and reinforce decentralization in a nation striving to overcome historical challenges and build stronger democratic institutions.
During the ceremony, Minister of Local Government Dr. Sami Al-Dawy emphasized the importance of these appointments as a crucial step toward empowering municipal councils, which will play a vital role in delivering essential services and driving regional development. “Today marks a new chapter in Libya’s local governance, with democratically elected leaders committed to the welfare of their communities,” Al-Dawy stated.
The Road Ahead
With the mayors now in office, the municipal councils are expected to work collaboratively with the central government to address critical community needs, ranging from infrastructure and basic services to economic development initiatives.
The international community has watched this process with interest, recognizing that effective decentralization could serve as a key tool in fostering stability in Libya, a country navigating complex political and social dynamics.
The swearing-in ceremony in Benghazi stands as a moment of renewed hope and commitment to local democracy, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and prosperous future for Libya.
