The Libya Observer newspaper reports that electoral procedures to call municipal elections in Libya will begin as early as next March. This was stated by the head of the central commission for the elections of municipal councils in Libya, Salim Bin Tahiya. Bin Tahiya said 69 municipalities have been registered so far, adding that elections will start earlier in municipal councils where there is a higher rate of voters, citing al Baida and al Khoms in particular. The municipalities will begin the electoral process with the few funds available, pending the intervention of the Presidential Council. A first installment worth 15 million Libyan dinars has already been disbursed to organize the consultations. "In Tripoli and the neighboring municipalities there is a need for more electoral cards through awareness campaigns," added Bin Tahiya. Many municipal councils in Libya have finished their four-term term and, therefore, are expected to be renewed through new elections to be held soon.
