AL-BIREH, January 28, 2026 (WAFA) – The Central Elections Commission (CEC) organized an expanded meeting today, Wednesday, at its headquarters in Al-Bireh, with a group of chief editors, directors of media organizations and outlets, local journalists, and correspondents of Arabic channels, under the umbrella of its preparations for conducting the local elections scheduled for the upcoming April 25.
Ashraf Shuaibi, the CEC’s CEO, provided a detailed elaboration of the Decree-Law concerning the Election of Local Authority Councils, and its amendments, confirming the neutrality of the CEC, standing at the same distance from everyone, emphasizing the participatory approach aiming to enhance trust and confidence, and guaranteeing the broadest possible participation in the electoral process. In addition, Shuaibi introduced the audience to the amendment of the Local Elections Law that the CEC recently received, clarifying that it aims to enhance participation and widen the base for nominations.
Moreover, Shuaibi pointed out the efforts exerted by the CEC within the frame of the ongoing preparations to conduct the elections, going through the key challenges facing the CEC’s work, most importantly the conditions imposed by the Israeli occupation, the barriers, checkpoints, and gates/roadblocks. In addition, Shuaibi discussed difficulties related to funding, limited available time, and the requirements of raising the awareness of the community, while emphasizing the pivotal role played by the media in overcoming such challenges and conveying the whole picture to the citizens.
On another note, the CEC’s Spokesperson, Fareed Taamallah added that the CEC regards media organizations and journalists as key partners in guaranteeing the success of the electoral process, especially with regards to communicating accurate information, raising electoral awareness, and enhancing citizens’ trust and confidence in the elections, being a national and democratic due entitlement.
During the meeting, the CEC presented the media and awareness plans for the upcoming stage, in addition to responding to the inquiries of the participants and discussing a group of issues related to media coverage of the electoral process, agreeing to open ongoing communication channels between the CEC and media outlets and organizations.
T.R.
