Social Factors and Their Relationship to Electoral Crimes in Libyan Society: A Field Study on Employees of the High National Elections Commission in Benghazi

Electoral crime is considered one of the most serious phenomena threatening the integrity of the electoral process and the stability of societies, as it weakens political legitimacy and undermines public trust in state institutions, particularly in societies suffering from fragile political and social structures. This study aimed to identify some social factors and their relationship to the spread of electoral crimes in Libyan society, while highlighting their social impacts. The study was conducted through a field survey targeting employees of the High National Elections Commission in the city of Benghazi. The descriptive-analytical approach was adopted, and interviews were used as a data collection tool with a study population of (30) respondents. The results revealed a strong relationship between certain social factors-most notably tribal affiliation and weak social awareness and the increase in manifestations ofelectoral crimes, such as mediation, vote-buying, and manipulation of results. The study also showed that the most prominent effects of electoral crimes include the loss of political legitimacy, waste of state resources, the spread of political chaos, and declining trust in state institutions. The study recommended enhancing electoral awareness, supporting institutions responsible for the electoral process, developing legal and legislative frameworks, and promoting social development to reduce the factors contributing to the spread of electoral crimes in Libyan society