About PEPOL

Elections in Libya

Promoting credible and peaceful elections lies at the heart of the ongoing UNDP-led efforts by UNDP under the auspices of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to foster stabilization and democratic consolidation following Libya’s 2011 revolution which saw the fall of Gaddafi. Elections were held by the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) in 2012 (Parliamentary elections) and in 2014 (Constitutional Assembly election and Parliamentary election).

Despite efforts to set up key institutions and processes to manage transition and to promote the rule of law, accountability, human rights and good governance, the post-Gaddafi era has been characterized by armed confrontation, which has led to political and institutional fragmentation across Libya. With the current military and political conflict escalating since 2019, UN and international partners are working on efforts to find a political solution to end the conflict and bring stability. In this context, it is important that HNEC’s electoral readiness is ensured to conduct elections when called for.

The latest COVID-19 pandemic comes in Libya on top of an already existing humanitarian, political, economic and security crisis. After years of conflict and political instability, government and health systems have very limited capacity to provide the required essential services. Against the background of an aggravated humanitarian crisis, it is even more critical that a political consensus is reached in which elections might play a pivotal role to provide a general accepted mandate for any new government after the conflict. Ultimately, to overcome the pandemic in a successful and sustainable manner, strengthening the country’s government institutions will be essential.

Recovery and resilience also depend on an inclusive political process and accountable governance, components strongly supported by UNDP Libya and the UNSMIL.