The commission published a statement on its official channel this Friday morning, explaining that this incident is a blatant attack on the popular will and an attempt to undermine the entire democratic process. The commission affirmed that these actions represent an attempt to deprive the Libyan citizen of exercising their right, and these attacks will not deter it from performing its national duty to organize free and fair elections based on the highest standards.
The electoral administration office in the western coast of Libya was deliberately set on fire by unidentified perpetrators, resulting in the total destruction of the building. The Zawiya office faced a similar attack, leading to the burning of the main storage containing election materials and the training hall prepared for electoral staff.
The commission emphasized that these criminal acts are a blatant violation and aim to disrupt the natural course of the democratic process. It expressed its determination to continue carrying out its national duties to ensure free elections that meet the aspirations of the Libyan people.
The Electoral Commission called on the relevant security agencies to conduct urgent investigations and prosecute the perpetrators, and to intensify security measures to protect electoral facilities throughout the country.
Libya has been experiencing a complex political crisis since 2011, amidst deep political and institutional divisions, with two rival governments: one in Tripoli in the west of the country, which is the Government of National Unity, and the other in Benghazi in the east, appointed by the parliament. This division is accompanied by duality in, most notably, the legislative authority represented by the House of Representatives in Tobruk and its advisory partner according to the Skhirat Agreement, and the High Council of State in Tripoli.
