Politics & Government Guide in Libya
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions
Libya remains politically divided with two rival administrations controlling different regions. The UN-backed Government of National Unity led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibah governs western Libya, while the Government of National Stability backed by eastern forces holds the east. Despite municipal elections in 2025, national elections remain postponed amid ongoing political deadlock and efforts to unify institutions continue under a UN roadmap.
Political Stability
Poor
Corruption Index
Poor
Democracy Index
Poor
Government Type
Transitional Government
Legal System
Mixed legal system of civil law, Islamic law, and customary law
Head of State
Chairman, Presidential Council Mohammed Al Menfi(since 2021)
Head of Government
Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibahsince 2021
Political Indicators
Political Stability
Scale: 0-1
Unstable
Political Stability Index (2024)
Corruption Index
Scale: 0-100
Transparency International (2024)
Press Freedom
Scale: 0-100
Reporters Without Borders (2024)
Democracy Index
Scale: 0-10
Authoritarian
Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)
Legislature
Major Political Parties
Islamist
Centrist
Voting Rights
Libyan citizens aged 18 and over have the right to vote. Elections have been held at municipal levels since 2023 with increasing participation, but national elections remain postponed due to political deadlock.
Recent Developments
- Municipal elections held in 26 municipalities in August 2025 with 71% turnout, highest since 2014
- UN-led roadmap initiated in 2025 aiming for unified government and national elections within 12-18 months
- Continued political deadlock between Government of National Unity and Government of National Stability
- Efforts to unify institutions and adopt electoral framework ongoing but stalled
- Increased international focus on restoring Libya's sovereignty and ending foreign interference
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