“The members of the Security Council congratulate the Libyan people on this occasion and commend their peaceful participation in the process, while strongly condemning the isolated incidents of violence that occurred,” the 15-member body said in a press statement on Tuesday night.

“The members of the Security Council consider the elections a milestone for Libya’s democratic transition,” the statement added.

Council member also commended the Libyan authorities – particularly the High National Electoral Commission of Libya, domestic observers and all others involved – for the well-conducted preparations and management of elections on the day.

The Council expressed its appreciation of the support provided by the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) during the electoral process, and said it looked forward to UNSMIL’s support to Libya during the next phase of its democratic transition, including the process of preparing a new constitution, promoting rule of law and protecting human rights, restoring public security, countering illicit arms proliferation and coordinating international assistance.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon congratulated the Libyan people on the election earlier in the week, as did the head of UNSMIL, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Libya, Ian Martin.

In his remarks on Monday, Martin also highlighted challenges an incoming government will face. He noted that the elections “must not blind any of us to the enormous challenges that still lie ahead,” particularly that of building security institutions.

The envoy has previously voiced concern over incidents of renewed fighting throughout Libya, and called on the authorities to address the causes of the conflicts and protect civilians. In a briefing to the Security Council in May, he said that armed clashes in recent months between various groups have tested the reach and authority of the Government’s security apparatus and ability to impose the rule of law.

Some 2.7 million people in the North African nation have registered to vote for members of a new National Congress, which will be tasked with drafting a new constitution for Libya.

The polls, which are scheduled to be held on 7 July, will be the first free elections in decades in Libya, where Muammar al-Qadhafi ruled for more than 40 years until a pro-democracy uprising last year led to civil war and the deposing of his regime.

“The new Libya provides a new opportunity for Libyan women to articulate your political, economic and social aspirations,” the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Ian Martin, said at an event held yesterday in the capital, Tripoli, to celebrate women’s participation in the electoral process.

“If women have equal opportunities to fulfil their political and socio-economic role, this contributes to development, democracy, nation-building and peace for all Libyans,” he added.

There are over 600 women candidates standing for election next month. Mr. Martin congratulated them, stating that they are role models not just for the women and girls of Libya, but also for the many people who will be watching them across the globe.

“It is inspiring for all of us to see you claiming your equal political and civic rights to build a new Libya,” he stated.

The envoy also paid tribute to civil society representatives who have advocated, through social media, demonstrations, petitioning and public for a, for further change in the daily lives of Libyans.

“I congratulate you for the contributions you have made to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment to date,” he said. “I commend your practical efforts to support women to register to vote, to educate women and men as to voting, and the support you are providing to women candidates.”

Voter registration is a “very important step” in the election process,” the UN Support Mission for Libya (UNSMIL) said in a statement. “UNSMIL encourages all Libyans to exercise their democratic rights and actively participate in the elections by going to registration centres to register.”

Libya’s High National Election Commission (HNEC) announced today that voter registration as well as the registration of candidates/entities will begin on coming Tuesday.

The election for members of the National Congress, due to be held by late June, will be the first free elections in the North African country in four decades. The National Congress will be tasked with drafting a new constitution for Libya, where Muammar al-Qadhafi ruled for more than 40 years until a pro-democracy uprising last year led to civil war and the deposing of his regime.

UN observers noted that the upcoming election is a “Libyan-led process,” and that it remains committed to assist and support national efforts in this process.