The Central Elections Commission (CEC), announced today the commencement of field voter registration for the upcoming 2021 Palestinian elections, which will continue until February 16th for both legislative and presidential elections.
In his opening speech during the launching of the registration process, CEC Chairman, Hanna Nasir, invited citizens to register and update their registration data, affirming that registration is a requirement for elections participation as candidates and voters.
CEC Chairman pointed out that the CEC made voter registration available through its website: www.elections.ps since the issuance of the presidential decree calling for elections. Nasir also added that the CEC, as of today, will operate 80 voter information and registration centers at several schools.
During the field registration period, the CEC will dispatch field teams comprised of 600 employees to all districts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, equipped with tablet devices to assist citizens register their names online or inquire about their former registration information, and change their voting location if their place of residence has changed.
Nasir also stated that the number of registrants currently stands at 2.4 million, constituting 85% of the total number of eligible registrants according to the data of the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS), adding that this percentage is expected to reach 90% by the end of the registration drive.
Nasir considered the high e-registration turnout following the issuance of the presidential decree as an indication to how eager Palestinians are to participate in elections and choosing their representatives in decision-making positions. This will revive hope of ending internal division and the return of democracy to Palestine, both of which are key components towards liberation for which Palestinians aspire regardless of their political affiliation.