CEC Chairman Dr. Hanna Nasir announced today, the results for the (First Phase) of the 2021 Local Elections. Which took place in 154 localities in the West Bank. The Results included the number of votes and seats obtained by each list, as well as the names of the winners.
Dr. Nasir stated in a press conference, which was held in the CEC’s media center in its headquarters in Al Bireh, that the final Voter’s turnout percentage for the (First Phase) of the elections reached 66.14% out of 405,687 eligible voters. Clarifying that this percentage was issued after all voters who were inside polling centers were done with casting their votes.
Dr. Nasir added that the total number of voters reached 268,318. Among which; the percentage of valid ballots reached 96.5%, 1.01% for blank ballots, and 2.43% for invalid ballots.
The Central Elections Commission convened this morning, in its headquarters in Al Bireh as well as through video conference with its regional office in Gaza, to examine all submitted complaints and reports from observation bodies. To eventually determine that none of these complaints affects the results of the elections. The CEC avowed the official results of the elections, which were delivered after the CEC staff concluded the counting process, data management and seat distribution.
The results demonstrate that independent lists won 70.86% of the total contested council seats of 1,503, whereas partisan lists obtained 29.14% of seats.
The CEC has also announced the names of electoral lists, which won by acclamation in 162 localities due to having only one complete list nominated in each.
It should be indicated that despite the fact that the elections law gives the CEC 72 hours to announce the preliminary election results, however, the CEC has exerted all efforts to publish the results within less than 24 hours to enable citizens to review the results and submit any objections before the elections court. According to Local Council Elections Law, voters, candidates or their agents may object to Election results before the competent court within one week of the announcement of results. The Court adjudicates appeals within five days of submission and issues its final and binding decisions. The final results will then be published and submitted to the Ministry of Local Government.
Electoral Calendar for the (Second Phase) of the 2021 Local Elections
On another note, CEC Chairman declared in the same press conference the launching of all preparations aimed at holding the (Second Phase) of the 2021 Local Elections, where polling is scheduled for Saturday 26/03/2022. Voter Registration will start on 8/01/2022. Nomination Applications can be received starting 8/02/2022. While the start of electoral campaigning period will be on 13/03/2022.
Dr. Nasir clarified that Polling for the (Second Phase) of the Elections will take place in 66 localities, representing (A) and (B) municipalities, as well as all 25 localities in Gaza.
The CEC wishes to extend its utmost appreciation and thanks to Palestinian voters for their participation, the Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Interior and the security forces, media representatives, political parties, electoral lists and local and international observers. The CEC pays special thanks to its dedicated staff for their efforts in achieving free, transparent and integral elections in which we take pride.