14 February, Ramallah – As part of its preparations for local elections, the Central Elections Commission (CEC), met today in its Ramallah headquarters with Dr. Omar Abdel Razik and Dr. Mahmoud Al-Ramahi, representatives of the Hamas movement. The CEC Chairman, Dr. Hanna Nasir, discussed the CEC’s preparations for the upcoming elections and the procedures it is undertaking to ensure free and transparent elections with participation from all Palestinian factions.
The Hamas representatives expressed their confidence in the integrity of the Commission, but expressed concern about the general lack of a free political atmosphere, which is needed for Hamas to participate in the elections. The Hamas representatives also confirmed that the movement has not taken an official decision as to whether it will participate in the upcoming elections.
The meeting was also attended by CEC commissioner, Dr. Mohammad Nasir, CEO, Mr. Hisham Kuhail, and Deputy CEO, Mr. Ashraf Shuaibi. Dr. Nasir described the meeting as ‘positive’, as it stressed the importance of reaching a national reconciliation, which is in the best interest of the Palestinian people.