Al-Bireh, January 22 – The Central Elections Commission (CEC) reaffirmed its commitment to conduct the 2026 Local Elections with the utmost level of professionalism and neutrality, emphasizing the importance of partnership with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to guarantee the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.
This was one of the dimensions discussed during the meeting held today, Thursday, by Dr. Rami Hamdallah, Chairman of the CEC, with the representatives of a group of CSOs working in the fields of democracy, human rights and elections observation, at the CEC HQ in Al-Bireh.
During the meeting, Hamdallah shared the latest preparations of the CEC for conducting local elections, most importantly voter registration and commencing the period for submitting applications for observing the elections, which is one of the key pillars to guarantee the integrity of the electoral process across all stages. Dr. Hamdallah invited the CSOs to contribute to the awareness and observation efforts related to the electoral process, praising the significant role they play in enhancing citizens’ trust and confidence in the elections, while monitoring observations and challenges in the field, and contributing to addressing them professionally.
Furthermore, Hamdallah informed the CSOs of its decision to organize elections in the city of Deir Al-Balah concurrently with conducting it in 420 local authorities in the West Bank, whereas it is not possible to conduct elections in the rest of the municipalities of the Gaza Strip during the current process due to the impossible security and logistical conditions.
Moreover, the meeting tackled the general framework of challenges surrounding the electoral process, most importantly the amendments to the Decree-Law No. (23) of 2025, concerning the Local Authority Elections, issued on November 19, 2025, endorsing two different electoral systems for the first time, in addition to the limited timeframe available for conducting proper awareness processes.
Hamdallah reaffirmed the CEC’s understanding of all concerns expressed by the CSOs following the introduction of the amendments to the law, as well as its respect of the choice to refrain from participating in the elections by some. The CEC, being an executive authority, will remain at the same distance from all stakeholders in order to guarantee the right to participation for all.
Regarding the field challenges, Hamdallah highlighted the challenges that followed the war on the Gaza Strip, the ongoing needs and checkpoints/barriers in the West Bank, in addition to the legal challenges stemming from the amendments to the law. Moreover, the challenges related to the severe financial crisis suffered by the State, emphasizing that these challenges are unprecedented in the history of Palestinian elections.
The meeting was concluded with emphasizing that the success of local elections constitutes a collective national responsibility, calling for enhancing coordination and complementarity with CSOs over the upcoming period, in a way that contributes to consolidating the democratic path despite all challenges.