TRIPOLI, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Tuesday welcomed the "determination" of the citizens of the city of Ghat, located some 1,400 km southwest of the capital Tripoli, to participate in the city's municipal elections.
"I commend the tremendous efforts exerted by the Central Committee for Municipal Council Elections (CCMCE) to conduct these first elections, especially their implementation of all necessary precautionary measures for the protection of voters, polling staff, and electoral stakeholders," Acting Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya and UNSMIL head Stephanie Williams said.
UNSMIL reiterated its support in a statement for the Libyan people in conducting municipal elections and strengthening local governance, as well as for the CCMCE "for its vital role in ensuring municipal elections are conducted democratically and through an inclusive and credible process."
According to the CCMCE, voter turnout in the municipal elections of Ghat and its suburbs was 54 percent. The polling stations were closed at 7:30 pm (0530 GMT) on Tuesday. Enditem
