Entikhabati – Waseela Digital Civic Engagement & Election Awareness Campaign (2021)

In 2021, Nana Marne Organization, with support from UNDP and in coordination with the Central Committee for Municipal Council Elections (CCMCE), launched the “Entikhabati” campaign to boost civic awareness and voter participation in Libya’s municipal elections. Running from February to July 2021 with a budget of 40,000 LYD, the project addressed low voter turnout—especially among women, vulnerable groups, and people with disabilities—through innovative digital and media outreach.

Why this project mattered
Libya’s municipal elections remain a new and evolving process, challenged by political fragmentation, armed conflicts, and a lack of trusted information channels. Citizens often prioritized daily survival over democratic participation. Nana Marne sought to bridge this gap by using digital tools and creative content to highlight the importance of civic engagement and voting.

What we did

  • Waseela App (Android & iOS): Developed and upgraded as a digital awareness platform featuring social articles, job opportunities, and election guidance. The app was downloaded by over 1,200 users, with daily engagement boosted by practical content like job listings.

  • Radio & Podcasts: Produced 8 episodes of the Waseela Podcast in collaboration with Awal Radio and Al Shoroq Radio (Hay Alandalus, Misrata, and Jabal al Gharbi). Topics ranged from women’s roles in society to the rights of people with disabilities.

  • Election Awareness Videos: Created 3 engaging videos explaining municipal elections, why voting matters, and how to use the Waseela app.

  • Social Media Campaigns: Published more than 100 creative designs on Facebook and Instagram, supported by targeted ads to increase reach and awareness.

Key results

  • 1,200 app downloads and consistent daily users.

  • 8 radio/podcast episodes broadcast across multiple regions.

  • 3 videos and over 100 social media posts produced and shared.

  • Increased engagement through indirect awareness strategies that integrated civic messages into everyday content.

Lessons learned
The campaign revealed that combining social and civic topics—such as job opportunities or family issues—with election awareness significantly improves public engagement. Local radio also proved invaluable for reaching offline and rural audiences.

What’s next
Waseela has evolved into a ready-to-scale platform that can continue promoting civic awareness, women’s participation, and community engagement in future elections and social initiatives. Nana Marne is exploring partnerships to expand Waseela’s features and reach.