Benghazi goes to the polls | Libya Herald

By George Grant

Benghazi, 19 May:

In the city’s first taste of democracy ahead of nationwide elections next month, Benghazi went to the polls today to elect a new Local Council.

Voting took place to select 43 council members across 11 districts, with more than 400 candidates standing for election.

At one polling station visited by the Libya Herald in district 8, Al-Qish and Al-Fuwaihat, the number of voters had reached almost 1,600 by 2pm, out of a possible 3,250 registered to vote. With polls not closing until 10pm, Faisa Sallak, the station’s coordinator, described turnout as “excellent”, a sentiment echoed by voters and officials alike across Benghazi.

Sallak reported no problems of potential voter fraud or insecurity, and voting seems to have passed off peacefully across the city.

One voter was Mariam Al-Asmad, 63, who was celebrating voting for the first time in her life. When asked by the Libya Herald who she had voted for, she replied, “people of integrity”, although she could not remember their names.

Mariam Al-Asmad casts her vote (Photo: George Grant)

FOR THE FULL ARTICLE CLICK HERE: Benghazi goes to the polls | Libya Herald