The Central Elections Commission (CEC) announced that nomination applications for the 2021 Palestinian legislative council elections shall now be received at the CEC headquarters in Al-Bireh and the Regional Office in Gaza from Saturday morning until Wednesday evening, March 31, 2021, weekends included.
The CEC announced in a previous press release that nominations shall be made via electoral lists based on fully proportional representation, and that individual nominations will not be accepted. Electoral lists may consist of no less than 16, and no more than 132 candidates. The CEC emphasized the importance of lists and their candidates adhering to the nomination conditions stipulated by Decree Law No. (1) of 2007 and its amendments. The CEC also stressed that applications must be submitted based on the required forms available at either the CEC HQ in Al-Bireh, the Regional Office in Gaza, the electoral district offices in all governorates, or on the CEC website (www.elections.ps).
The CEC explained the measures being undertaken to ensure that lists may submit their nominations despite lockdown procedures. Such measures include the circular that was issued by the Cabinet to all competent authorities to facilitate reviewing procedures for the letters of resignation submitted by groups that are legally eligible to be nominated for the legislative elections. The CEC coordinated with the Bank of Palestine to keep the branches of “Al-Irsal” in Ramallah, and “Al-Rimal” in Gaza, open (including on Saturdays) to enable lists to deposit their nomination fees in the event of possible lockdowns. If lockdowns do not occur, fees are payable at all Bank of Palestine branches.
The CEC indicated that it will examine nomination applications within five days of submission to ensure that the legal conditions have been met. Accordingly, the CEC will officially inform the list coordinator and authorized person whether or not their application has been accepted or rejected. Lists with applications in need of correction will be granted the time to do so by the CEC within the nomination period, which will end on Wednesday evening, March 31st, 2021.