Pakistan, Aug. 15 -- Libya is set to hold rare municipal elections on Saturday, marking a key test of democracy in a country still struggling with political divisions and ongoing instability.

Major eastern cities, including Benghazi, Tobruk, and Sirte, have rejected participation in the vote, underscoring the deep rifts between rival administrations in the east and west of the country.

The United Nations mission in Libya described the polls as vital for democratic governance but warned that recent attacks on electoral offices and persistent security threats could disrupt the process.

Nearly 380,000 Libyans, mostly from western municipalities, are eligible to vote. However, elections in 11 eastern and southern constituencies were suspen...