The Central Elections Commission (CEC) inaugurated today the electoral reform workshop concerning the law on elections to local councils, with the aim of evaluating the law and agreeing on proposed amendments, in service of the electoral process and its advancement in accordance with the international standards for the democracy and integrity of elections.
The CEC’s Chairman, Dr. Hanna Nasir, CEC’s members, H.E. Minister of Women Affairs, Dr. Amal Hamad, and the Deputy Minister of Local Government, Dr. Tawfiq Albudairi, as well as legal experts and representatives of partner CSOs and political parties, participated in the inauguration of the workshop at CEC’s HQ in Al-Bireh. Moreover, the workshop is hosting the Chairman of the Independent Election Commission in Jordan, H.E. Eng. Musa Maaytah, and the Programs Manager at the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, Emna Zghonda, who will be sharing their experiences and expertise in the field of electoral reform with the participants.
During his opening remarks, the CEC’s Chairman, Dr. Hanna Nasir, welcomed all the attendees; guests, officials, legal entities and experts, noting the periodic conduction of local elections in Palestine since 2006, with the most recent local elections held in the West Bank last year. Dr. Nasir highlighted that the CEC is following up closely and with great interest some positive announcements that were issued concerning the convening of local elections in the Gaza Strip.
Dr. Nasir clarified the role of the CEC, which lies in enforcing the election law and making sure that the electoral process adheres its text. However, it is the CEC’s duty also to evaluate any electoral process and draw lessons learned in collaboration with partners from political parties, observing organizations and media outlets, in addition to providing technical comments and recommendations to the decision makers, especially concerning the election law, which is what the workshop aims to achieve.
CEC’s Chairman affirmed that the electoral reform initiative constitutes an opportunity for a social dialogue with all stakeholders in order to realize an electoral environment that guarantees practicing the right to vote, in full realization of the principles, standards and best practices in managing and conducting electoral processes. Dr. Nasir emphasized that the CEC welcomes the moderation of this dialogue and is willing to provide all technical and financial resources necessary for its success.
In return, H.E. Minister of Women Affairs, Dr. Amal Hamad, emphasized the importance of this workshop in supporting the active participation of Palestinian women in the electoral process and decision-making positions. This is particularly important as it is considered foundational for enhancing democratic ruling, the rule of law, social integration, economic development and advancing all human rights, including the rights of women and girls. Furthermore, H.E. Minister Hamad showed that the results of the latest local elections confirm the need for launching a joint revision of the legal frameworks among all stakeholders in order to advance the level of women representation in the councils of local authorities.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Local Government, Dr. Tawfiq Albudairi mentioned that the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG) was among the first pioneers to lead an in-depth comprehensive national dialogue with the participation of the different political and social powers in the country. The aim is to achieve a new election law for local authorities or to amend the existing law, to realize a wider and more effective active social participation in electing the person they deem fit. Albudairi emphasized the importance of continuously convening local elections on time, which is the inevitable foundation for enhancing democracy and emphasizing the right of citizens to choose their representatives. In addition, Albudairi voiced his wishes for convening local elections in the Southern Governorates, avoiding political tensions in elections, and empowering citizens to practice their natural right to candidacy and voting.
During the workshop sessions of the first day, legal and human rights experts, as well as representatives of CSOs and political parties will discuss regional experiences in the area of electoral reform. The participants will discuss the legal framework and the electoral environment in Palestine, as well as its degree of conformity with international standards. The participants will also study and discuss the reform dimensions required in light of the latest local elections.