Libya to hold rare local vote in test for divided nation

Libya goes to the polls on Saturday for rare municipal elections seen as a test of democracy in a nation still plagued by division and instability.

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Key eastern cities—including Benghazi, Tobruk and Sirte — have rejected the vote, highlighting the deep rifts between rival administrations.

The UN mission in Libya, UNSMIL, called the elections “essential to uphold democratic governance” while warning that recent attacks on electoral offices and ongoing insecurity could undermine the process.

“Libyans need to vote and to have the freedom to choose without fear and without being pressured by anyone,” said Esraa Abdelmonem, a 36-year-old mother of three.

“These elections would allow people to have their say in their day-to-day affairs,” she said, adding that it was “interesting to see” how the areas affected by the clashes in May would vote.