Local Governance in Libya: A Case Study of Benghazi Municipality

Abstract

     This study aims to evaluate the reality of the local administration system in Libya, focusing on the Municipality of Benghazi as a case study, by analyzing four main dimensions: decentralization and autonomy, participatory democracy, accountability and oversight, and the management of financial and investment resources. The research adopted a case study methodology, utilizing a questionnaire as the primary data collection tool. Data were collected from a random sample of 168 employees out of 320 employees at the Municipality of Benghazi and analyzed statistically using SPSS, with the application of T-test, ANOVA, and Scheffe tests, The results revealed that the overall performance of the local administration system in the Municipality of Benghazi achieved a mean score of 2.84 (moderate level), with variations across the dimensions. The dimension of "decentralization and autonomy" ranked highest with a mean score of 3.16, while "accountability and oversight" scored the lowest (2.43) due to insufficient transparency in publishing financial and administrative reports. The study recommended adopting policies to enhance transparency through regular reporting, activating participatory platforms for community engagement, and building the capacities of municipal personnel in strategic planning to improve service quality and foster community trust.