Witness says municipal elections, including two women mayors, signal progress toward democracy in Libya

A witness involved in peacebuilding work said optimism and recent municipal elections in Libya show modest but tangible progress toward greater democracy and inclusivity.

"I have to be optimistic, otherwise I'll stop," the witness said when asked whether a solution can be found for Libya, adding that peacebuilders must keep trying even when efforts are imperfect. The witness said those efforts aim to move Libya "to a point where they have greater democracy and inclusivity."

The witness highlighted recent local electoral milestones, saying municipal elections were held in 114 municipalities and, "for the first time in Libya's history, we've had two women elected as mayors." The witness also said women were elected as municipal councilors "in their own right," framing these results as examples of building democracy from the bottom up.

The witness cautioned that outcomes are not flawless but added that supporting institutions and incremental practices can help create a democratic culture that Libya needs. The interviewer observed that these appear to be "gratifying small steps" that sustain longer-term peacebuilding efforts.

The exchange closed with the witness reiterating optimism and the continuing need for sustained effort; no specific next steps, dates, institutions, or external actions were announced during the conversation.