GAZA, January 24, 2012 (WAFA) – The Central Elections Commission (CEC) announced Tuesday that it has received keys to its closed offices in the Gaza Strip from Hamas, which would allow it to start preparations for national elections in the very near future, according to CEC Gaza director Jamil Khalidi.

He said the got the keys to the offices closed since the Hamas takeover of the Gaza Strip in June 2007 in the presence of members of the freedoms committee created out of the reconciliation agreement.

Work at the offices will resume as of Wednesday, he said.

Palestinians plan to hold presidential and legislative elections in early May. However, President Mahmoud Abbas has not yet set an official date for elections.

M.S.