Electoral campaigning includes all legal election campaigning activities undertaken by lists or candidates for the purpose of raising public awareness of their political platform. Included under the definition of electoral campaigning are all statements issued by candidates and lists that call on the public to vote for a particular candidate or list.
According to the law, the public media and Executive Authority shall remain impartial during all phases of the electoral process and are forbidden to use any media means to conduct any activity that could be interpreted as offering support to one candidate or list.
Electoral campaigning period
General Elections: According to the Elections Law, electoral campaigning commences 22 days prior to polling day and ends 24 hours before polling day. No electoral campaigning activity is allowed on either polling day or the day before.
Local Elections: Electoral campaigning commences 2 weeks prior to polling day and ends 24 hours before polling day. No electoral campaigning activity is allowed on either polling day or the day before.
Electoral campaigning restrictions:
Although candidates and lists are granted freedom for electoral campaigning there are several regulations:
- It is strictly prohibited to engage in any campaigning activities in mosques, churches, or in the vicinity of hospitals, government buildings and public institutions.
- Candidates are prohibited from offendng other candidates or lists.
- It is prohibited to put posters or stickers on private property or other places not used by the CEC.
- The use of the Palestinian National Authority logo in publications, advertisements, or in any other type of electoral propaganda, written or photographic, is prohibited.
- Any type of electoral propaganda (oral, written or photographic), containing inflammatory material, accusations against other candidates, or material which invokes tribal, familial, or religious confrontations among groups of citizens, is prohibited.
Equal media access:
The Central Elections Commission, in cooperation with the Palestinian official media means, organizes a program for free and subsidized campaigning for candidates and lists. The CEC takes into consideration that all candidates and lists should be given adequate time on an equal basis.
More information can be found here |