The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has strongly condemned the deliberate attacks that targeted two field offices of the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) in Zawiya and Sahel Al Gharbi on the morning of August 15. The mission described the criminal acts as a “grave assault on the electoral process” and a blatant attempt to disenfranchise citizens and obstruct the democratic process. UNSMIL highlighted that such actions undermine the right of the Libyan people to peacefully and credibly choose their representatives.
Occurring on the eve of the scheduled polling day, these attacks threaten the ongoing municipal elections. UNSMIL has called for a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable and urged Libyan authorities to take immediate measures to protect all electoral premises, personnel, and materials. The mission reaffirmed its unwavering support for the HNEC and appealed to all security institutions to ensure that voters can exercise their political rights safely and without intimidation on Saturday, August 16.