Al-Bireh – The Central Elections Commission (CEC) announced today, Sunday, the commencement of the accreditation of observer bodies, journalists and media organizations for observing and covering the 2026 Local Elections, as per the new Local Elections Law, regulations, provisions and the procedures stemming from it.
In its press release, the CEC clarified that commencing the accreditation of observer bodies aims to organize the local elections observation process to guarantee integrity and transparency. The CEC pointed out that receiving the accreditation applications from CSOs will begin starting Sunday, January 18, 2026, and shall continue until April 16, 2026.
Moreover, the CEC indicated that among the key terms and conditions for accrediting local observer bodies, is to be civil, non-governmental, and non-profit organizations, which are officially registered at competent authorities, enjoy institutional and financial independence, and are not affiliated with a political party, electoral list, candidate or any governmental institution or security forces. The key goals and activities of such organizations should be related to enhancing democracy, good governance, human rights, or elections observation, along with the necessity to adhere to training its observers in accordance with the legal framework and the code of conduct issued by the CEC.
On another hand, the CEC reaffirmed its keenness to facilitate the work of journalists and to cooperate with them to cover the local elections scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, to this highest degree of professionalism, objectivity, and accuracy. Such will be in accordance with its principles to conduct free, honest and transparent elections, providing a bright image about the Palestinian democratic experience.
Concerning journalists and media organizations, the CEC announced the commencement of accreditation starting Sunday, January 18, 2026 until Sunday, April 19, 2026, end of day, given that applications and attachments shall be submitted online via CEC’s official website.
With regards to the categories for accreditation, the CEC shared in its press release that it includes local and international media organizations, media production companies, and social media, in addition to independent local and international journalists according to specific conditions and professional controls. The CEC will provide accredited journalist with an accreditation card that facilitates their work throughout the various stages of the electoral process, starting with acquiring information and journalistic data, conducting interviews, and accessing electoral premises, centers and polling stations.
The CEC noted that once journalists’ applications are accepted, the accreditation cards are printed out. Accredited journalists should adhere to the code of conduct issued by the CEC while covering all stages of the electoral process, and need to make sure not to combine the capacities of a journalist, an observer, or an agent of any political party or electoral list.
The CEC emphasized its endeavor to continue undertaking all necessary arrangements and procedures to organize honest and transparent local elections, calling upon Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and media organizations to actively participate in observation and professional coverage, in a way that enhances citizens’ confidence and trust in the electoral process.
For more information, the CEC invited relevant organizations to visit its HQ in Al-Bireh or to make contact using the phone numbers announced on the official website, confirming the preparedness of its teams to provide necessary information and support.