The CEC announces the preliminary election results

The counting of votes in the 2012 Complementary Local Elections which commenced immediately after the end of voting at 7:00 PM last night was concluded today. Council seats were distributed to winning lists according Sainte-Laguë method “an internationally recognized method for the allocation of seats in the systems of proportional representation’’ approved by the Palestinian Election Law.

Preliminary results were announced during a press conference held this morning at CEC’s media Center in Ramallah. CEC Chairman, Dr. Hanna Nasir stated that 2% were blank papers and 4% were invalid ballots.

The CEC has also published through its webpage the 23 lists which won by acclamation. Prior to the announcement of results, the CEC met to discuss complaints submitted by observers. The CEC decided that complaints bear no influence to the results, thus results were approved.

It should be indicated that article 55 of local election law states that ‘Each voter, candidate, or candidate’s agent may contest the announced elections results before a competent court within one week from the announcement of results. The court shall issue its decision within five working days from the date the claim is submitted’’. If the court’s ruling is to cancel all the electoral process or parts of it, the elections shall be conducted within four weeks from the date the decision is issued in accordance with the provisions of the law.

On this occasion, the CEC would like to extend sincere thanks to Mr. President Mahmoud Abbas for his support of the work of the Commission and to the Cabinet, political patties and lists, observers, local and international media representatives and voters for contributing to the success of the electoral process and to CEC’s staff for the efforts exerted to achieve a transparent and free elections.