The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has commended the citizens of the city of Ghat for what it said their determination to exercise their democratic rights to participate in the city’s municipal elections, the first local election held in Libya this year.

"I applaud the commitment of the citizens of Ghat to democratically elect their representatives in the municipal council, defying the many challenges their city and country are facing in these trying times," Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya and head of UNSMIL Stephanie Williams said in the UNSMIL statement on Tuesday.

Williams also praised the efforts exerted by the Central Committee for Municipal Council Elections (CCMCE) to conduct these first elections. It specially noted their work in implementing all necessary precautionary measures to protect the voters, polling staff, and electoral stakeholders.

The UNSMIL reiterated its strong support for the Libyan people in conducting municipal elections and strengthening local governance, as well as to the CCMCE for its vital role in ensuring municipal elections are conducted democratically and through an inclusive and credible process.

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