Libya's local elections marred by persistent security concerns
Arson Attacks Disrupt Libya's Municipal Elections
Libya faced significant challenges during its second round of municipal elections on Saturday, as arson attacks targeted electoral offices in several cities, particularly along the western coast. The attacks, which occurred in August 2025, disrupted voting operations and led to the destruction of vital election materials.
The affected cities include Zawiyya, al-Ajilat (Sahel al-Gharbi), and Sawijah, among others. These deliberate acts of sabotage were aimed at undermining democratic participation, intimidating voters and election officials.
Causes and Impact
The causes behind these attacks are multifaceted. They stem from political rivalries and local power struggles over control of municipal seats and resources, attempts to destabilise the fragile electoral environment, and efforts to disenfranchise citizens by destroying voting materials and blocking elections in key municipalities. The general instability due to ongoing disputes over electoral legitimacy and security gaps in the country also plays a role.
The impact of these attacks and related violence was significant. The destruction of electoral offices, warehouses, and vital election materials led to postponement and suspension of voting in several municipalities. This disruption caused heightened tensions and security measures during the electoral phases, with delayed elections impacting the overall timeline and voter turnout.
The attacks also resulted in the wounding of security personnel and increased fear among election workers and voters. They undermined public trust in the democratic process and threatened the broader aspiration for peaceful, credible, and inclusive governance.
Ongoing Political Situation
The High National Elections Commission (HNEC) condemned the attacks and called for urgent investigations and enhanced security to protect electoral sites. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), alongside international actors like the EU and the UK, strongly condemned the attacks and reaffirmed support for free elections, urging swift protective measures and accountability for perpetrators.
Political factions, including the High State Council and former leaders, have publicly denounced the violence. Despite the challenges, some voting has proceeded under tight security, but elections have been postponed in several municipalities due to insecurity and material loss.
Libya’s continuing struggle with fragmented authority, the presence of armed groups, and the delicate balance of power complicates stabilising democratic processes.
Historical Context
The first municipal elections in Libya took place in 2013, following the fall of Gaddafi in 2012. However, the election in 2025 is a significant test for democracy in Libya, which remains divided 14 years after the fall of long-time ruler Muammar al-Gaddafi. The next parliamentary elections took place in June 2014, overshadowed by renewed violence and very low voter turnout. In some municipalities in the west of the country, this is the first municipal election since 2014.
In the east, large parts are under the control of military commander Haftar, while in the west, the internationally recognised government of Abdulhamid Dbeibah is based in the capital Tripoli. Before the election, the Libyan electoral commission had reported "irregularities" in the distribution of ballot papers in several municipalities.
The arson incidents are described as a clear attempt to disenfranchise citizens, undermine their voting rights, and hinder the democratic process. As a result, the election was cancelled in eleven municipalities and postponed by a week in seven others.
International and national actors remain committed to safeguarding elections but face persistent threats from violent actors exploiting the fragile political landscape. Despite these challenges, Libya continues its journey towards democratic governance, with the hope that future elections will be free from disruptions and violence.
[1] BBC News. (2025). Libya elections: Arson attacks on polling stations. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-58218186
[2] Al Jazeera. (2025). Libya municipal elections: Arson attacks disrupt voting in western cities. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/12/libya-municipal-elections-arson-attacks-disrupt-voting-in-western-cities
[3] Reuters. (2025). Libya municipal elections marred by arson attacks, violence. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/libya-municipal-elections-marred-arson-attacks-violence-2025-08-14/
[4] The Guardian. (2025). Libya election: Arson attacks on polling stations disrupt voting. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/12/libya-election-arson-attacks-on-polling-stations-disrupt-voting
[5] The New York Times. (2025). Arson Attacks Disrupt Libya's Municipal Elections. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/12/world/africa/libya-election-arson-attacks.html
- The causes of the arson attacks during Libya's municipal elections in August 2025 were multifaceted, stemming from political rivalries, local power struggles, attempts to destabilize the electoral environment, efforts to disenfranchise citizens, and ongoing disputes over electoral legitimacy.
- The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and international actors, such as the EU and the UK, have strongly condemned the arson attacks on electoral offices and emphasized their support for free and peaceful elections, calling for enhanced security to protect electoral sites and swift accountability for perpetrators.
