Libya’s High National Elections Commission announced on Saturday the start of local elections in 16 municipalities across the country’s northwest, marking the third phase of the municipal polls after their postponement in August.

In a statement, the commission said polling stations opened Saturday morning and will remain open until 6 p.m. local time (4 p.m. GMT).

Around 96,000 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at 142 polling centers housing 341 voting stations, to elect 743 candidates under a mixed system of party lists and individual nominations.

The municipalities holding elections include Ejkhera, Jalu, Kufra, Jardas al-Abid, Marj, Ubari, Gharifa, Sharqiya, Qatron, Ghat, Brak al-Shati, Qarza, Adrī, Jufra, Gulf of Sidra, and Awjila.

The commission had completed the first phase of local elections on November 16, 2024, covering 58 out of Libya’s 143 municipalities.