RAMALLAH, January 2, 2012 (WAFA) – The restructured Central Elections Commission (CEC) held its first meeting in Ramallah Monday and through video conference with Gaza to discuss preparations for national elections by May, according to a CEC statement.

CEC secretary general Rami Hamdullah opened the meeting by welcoming new members and thanking former ones for their contribution to the work of the Commission over the past years.

He stressed the neutrality and independence of the CEC.

The CEC discussed technical requirements needed to reopen its Gaza offices, closed since the division in 2007.

The new CEC was formed in agreement between the various Palestinian political factions following their reconciliation talks held in Cairo last week. It includes, for the first time, members of Hamas and the Islamic Jihad.

Presidential and legislative elections are expected to be held on May 4, according to the terms of the reconciliation agreement signed in Cairo on May 4 of last year.

M.S.