The CEC, MOLG and PCBS launch the Directory of Local Authorities Electoral Boundaries
The CEC Chairman, Dr. Hanna Nasir, Minister of Local Government, Dr. Hussein Al-Araj and Head of the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, Ms. Ola Awad, have signed and launched today the 2016-2017 Directory of Local Authorities Electoral Boundaries. The Directory includes the names, numbers, types and boundaries of Local Authorities and the population centers within each Local Authority.
Dr. Nasir stated in his speech during the launching ceremony held today at the premises of the MOLG in Al-Bireh, that the initiative demonstrates the importance of collaborative and participatory efforts between all parties concerned and comes in preparation for the upcoming local council elections assigned on 13 May 2017. Dr. Nasir also pointed out that the lauching of the Directory is one of the important processes in elections arrangements due to the importance of confirming Local Authorities boundaries.
On his part, Dr. Al-Araj stated that the Directory was developed in cooperation between the MoLG, the CEC and the PCBS as a result of Ministry’s efforts and collaboration with these partners. Al-Araj pointed out that the Directory will be invested in the planning and development programs of the local authorities, explaining that ‘’ the role of the Ministry after the completion and launch of the Directory has ended, and now begins the role of the CEC, which will entirely oversee the conduct of the upcoming local elections to which we take pride of its integrity and transparency’’.
On her part Ms. Awad stressed the complementary roles and actual partnership between all institutions which is considered a quantum leap in terms of task completion in an integrative institutional work among all concerned parties. Ms. Awad stressed that the success of launching of the, ‘’vital and important’’ Directory is due to collaborative efforts between all institutions and local authorities.
It should be indicated that the Directory of Local Authorities Electoral Boundaries is prepared prior to any future elections.