Electoral laws are the legal framework regulating the entire electoral process. They define the eligibility of voters and candidates as well as the timetable of the process. They also clarify the electoral system and regulations pertaining to electoral campaigning and campaign financing.

Palestinian Election Laws
There are two types of election laws, each governing a different type of elections:
1. General Election Laws
2. Local Election Laws

Election Law by Decree of 2007

On 2 September 2007, President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree, which has the force of a law enacted by the legislature, pertaining to general ( presidential and legislative) elections. The decree stipulates the annulment of Election Law No. 9 of 2005. The decree also replaces the mixed electoral system with a system of full proportional representation.

 The decree (Translated by IFES)

Election Law No. 9 of 2005

On 18 June 2005, the PLC passed General Election Law No. 9. This law adopted a mixed electoral system by which 50% of the total 132 PLC seats were elected under the majority system (districts) and the other 50% were elected under the proportional representation system (lists). It also guaranteed the minimum representation of women. This law annulled Election Law No. 13 of 1995.

   Elections Law No 9 of 2005

Election Law No. 13 of 1995

The first Palestinian General Elections were held in accordance with Palestinian Election Law No. 13 of 1995 and its amendments. This law adopted the simple majority system (districts).

  Palestinian Elections Law No. 13 of 1995

Local Council Elections Law No. 10 of 2005
On 13 August 2005, the PLC passed Local Council Elections Law No. 10 of 2005, which was issued by President Mahmoud Abbas on 15 August 2005. This law annuls Local Council Elections Law No. 5 of 1996 and Law No. 5 of 2004. It also replaces the simple majority system (districts) with a system of proportional representation (lists). In addition, it stipulates a required woman quota on local councils. Some articles of this law were amended by Law No. 12 of 2005, which was passed by the PLC on 27 August 2005 and issued by the President two days later.

•  Local Councils Elections Law No. 10 of 2005
• Decision by Law No () of 2012 on The amendment of Local Council Elections Law No (10) of 2005, amended by Law No (12) of 2005

 

Local Council Elections Law No. 5 of 1996
Local Elections law No. 5 of 1996 was among the first laws passed by the PLC. It was approved by late President Yasir Arafat on 16 December 1996. Some articles of this law were amended on 1 December 2004 by Law No. 5 of 2004. The first and second phases of the 2004-2005 local elections were conducted according to this law.