Polling stations witnessed turnout described as ‘reasonable’ by citizens, amid organizational and security measures aimed at ensuring the electoral process runs smoothly. The competition intensified among candidates, whether on lists or individually, reflecting the diversity of visions and programs proposed for local governance management. These elections hold particular significance as they serve as a new test for the path of decentralization and strengthening local governance. They are also an indicator of the return of political and service activities at the municipal level, after years of freezing and postponement due to the security and political conditions the country has experienced.
The results of these elections are expected to contribute to reactivating the role of municipalities in providing services and improving administrative performance, as well as enhancing citizen participation in local decision-making, while awaiting the outcomes of the ballot boxes in the coming hours.
Meanwhile, the director of the polling center, Youssef Boukar, in the Al-Fuwayhat area of Benghazi, Hussein Matouq, stated that ‘the center opened for voters at exactly nine o’clock in the morning, and the voting process began smoothly and orderly, with full security provided by the Ministry of Interior.’ He added that ‘the voting process will continue until six p.m. today, urging citizens to ‘actively participate and cast their votes to enhance the path of local governance and reflect the will of the voters.’
