Abdul Warith Al-Yunsi, 20, from Tajura, is representing Libya in the competition.
The competition opened with an address from Saleh Al-Makhzoum, Deputy President of Congress, welcoming the candidates and the jury to Libya. He was accompanied by the Khaled Al-Sharif, Deputy Minister of Defence, and Abdurrazak Serghen, Deputy Minister of Islamic Affairs.
Samih Al-Athamina, the president of the jury, also gave a welcoming address in which he explained the mechanisms of the competition, including the voting process, Sheikh Mohamed Ali Al-Rabou, head of the Ministry’s department for competitions told the Libya Herald.
The five finalists will receive awards ranging between LD 10,000 and LD 20,000.
Three countries cancelled their presence because of security concerns, Al-Rabou explained.
Candidates will recite in the evening session. The first session started at 4 pm and continued until 8pm.
The competition will run until 28 November.
Source: Libya Herald