RAMALLAH, Thursday, February 11, 2021 (WAFA) – The Palestinian Central Elections Commission (CEC) said 2.4 million Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza have so far registered to vote in the upcoming legislative and presidential elections planned for May 22 and July 31, respectively.
CEC Chairman Hanna Nasir said the number of registrants currently stands at 2.4 million, constituting 85% of the total number of eligible registrants according to the data of the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS), adding that this percentage is expected to reach 90% by the end of the registration drive.
The CEC announced yesterday the commencement of field voter registration for the elections, which will continue until February 16th for both legislative and presidential elections.
In his opening speech during the launching of the registration process, Nasir invited citizens to register and update their registration data, affirming that registration is a requirement for election participation as candidates and voters.
He pointed out that the CEC made voter registration available through its website: www.elections.ps since the issuance of the presidential decree calling for elections, adding that the CEC is operating 80 voter information and registration centers at several schools.
During the field registration period, the CEC will dispatch field teams comprised of 600 employees to all districts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, equipped with tablet devices to assist citizens register their names online or inquire about their former registration information, and change their voting location if their place of residence has changed.
Nasir considered the high e-registration turnout following the issuance of the presidential decree as an indication of how eager Palestinians are to participate in elections and choosing their representatives in decision-making positions. This will revive hope of ending internal division and the return of democracy to Palestine, both of which are key components towards liberation for which Palestinians aspire regardless of their political affiliation, he said.
M.K.
