Local Governance in Libya

Framing the Issues

Prospects of Local Governance in Libya: Framing the Debate for Post-Conflict Stability

Introduction

The 2011 uprising in Libya raised the question of the equitable distribution of power and wealth among all regions of the country and demands for participation in decision-making at the local level. This paper examines the issue of local governance in Libya from its recent history to the present, considering cultural, political, social, and institutional factors. It analyses how the local governance system could be developed to meet the aspirations and demands of the Libyan people.

Agreeing on a new model of local governance in Libya is no easy task, given the existing political and social divisions that have been deepened by the civil war. But why should there be discussion of local governance and decentralisation considering the existing fragmentation of the state?

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The Local Governance System in Libya, Conflicting Visions and Overlapping Concepts

Introduction

Early 2024 marked a significant shift in how local elections are conducted in Libya. The Libyan High National Election Commission—which replaced the previous Central Committee for the Election of Municipal Councils[1]—announced its plans to hold elections for 95 out of 144 municipal councils in a single day. Alongside this, it also adopted new electoral regulations.[2] This was the first instance of municipal council elections being conducted independently in Libya, without oversight from the Ministry of Local Government and the Prime Minister’s Office.

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Zooming In

Environment:

A Survey of Libya’s Environmental Challenges, Malak Altaeb and Omar Sheira, June 2024.

Vital infrastructure

“Sandstorms in Libya: The Urgent Need for Policy Intervention”, Rima Hamidan, March 2024.

Roads

“Wadi al-Shatii: Struggles Along the Road”, Waleed Khaleefah, January 2024.

Reconstruction

“Delays in Rebuilding Benghazi: The Case of the al-Sabry Neighbourhood”, Libya Initiative Team, March 2022.

Water and sanitation

“Addressing Sebha’s Water and Sanitation Crisis”, Waleed Khaleefah, February 2022.

Education

“Do More Universities Mean Better Education for Young Libyans?”, Libya Initiative Team, January 2022.

Waste management

“Waste Management in Tripoli: A Temporary Crisis or a Long-Lasting Imbroglio?”, Rima Hamidan, June 2021.

Healthcare

“The Covid-19 Pandemic Highlights the Inadequacy of Sebha’s Healthcare Services”, Rema el-Fellani, May 2021.