Sociological Determinants of Municipal Council Elections in Libyan Society: Traditional Relations as a Model

Abstract

This study examines the impact of traditional relations on municipal council elections within Libyan society, specifically focusing on how tribal, familial, and regional ties direct electoral behavior. These relationships function as informal mechanisms for reproducing social and political influence, transforming the act of voting from an individual choice based on merit or programs into a collective manifestation of group loyalty. The research highlights that tribal and family consensus significantly affects candidate selection and the formation of electoral alliances, which in turn restricts the democratic rotation of local elites. Using a sociological analytical approach, the study draws upon Ibn Khaldun’s theory of authority and Asabiyyah, Bourdieu’s social capital, and structural-functionalism. The analysis reveals that traditional structures are not merely social relics but are active systems that adapt within modern institutional frameworks, often filling the void left by weak official institutions and a lack of civic culture. The study concludes that the dominance of these traditional ties over the electoral process challenges the principles of equal opportunity and fair democratic practice. It recommends strengthening civic culture and official institutions to ensure a more transparent and effective democratic transition at the local level.