AL-BIREH, February 12, 2026 (WAFA) – The Chairman of the Central Elections Commission (CEC), Rami Hamdallah received the Vice President of the State of Palestine, Hussein Al-Sheikh, at the CEC’s headquarters in Al-Bireh.
The meeting focused on the latest updates and developments related to the flow and progress of the electoral process as well as ongoing preparations to conduct the elections in accordance with the legal and professional frameworks in force.
Hamdallah provided comprehensive insights on the accomplished preparations for the local elections, including finalizing the voters’ registry update and the conclusion of the exhibition and challenges stage, while ensuring data accuracy. Additionally, Hamdallah discussed the technical and administrative readiness for the nomination stage, indicating the development of clear operational plans and the implementation of specialized training programs tailored for the field teams, in order to guarantee the management and verification of nomination applications and requests in an efficient and transparent manner.
Furthermore, Hamdallah pointed out the continued coordination with the supporting international organizations and donors, including the Elections Ad Hoc Sector Working Group, with the aim of mobilizing technical and logistical support as well as providing all requirements necessary for conducting elections according to international standards.
Moreover, Hamdallah addressed the challenges facing the CEC, whether those related to funding or restrictions imposed by the occupation, which affect the movement of field teams and their ability to reach to some of the areas. Hamdallah emphasized the development of alternative and contingency plans to guarantee the continuation of work and unhindered electoral path.
In this context, Hamdallah noted the decision to conduct local elections in Deir al-Balah Municipality in the Gaza Strip, as a step reflecting the unity of the Palestinian electoral system and keenness to include all areas in the due democratic processes, whenever appropriate circumstances are available. Finally, Hamdallah emphasized the CEC’s readiness to expand the execution of local elections to the remaining districts of the Gaza Strip, as soon as the technical and logistical capabilities and capacities necessary to guarantee the integrity of process are available.
For his part, the Vice President affirmed that the elections constitute a fundamental pillar of the Palestinian political system and an important step in advancing the democratic process and renewing legitimacy through the ballot box, praising the professionalism and independence of the Central Elections Commission and the valuable experience it has accumulated, which is recognized both nationally and internationally, and noting that the importance of this electoral milestone is heightened in light of current developments and circumstances, as it strengthens internal unity, reinforces adherence to the will of the people, and reaffirms the Palestinian people’s commitment to their democratic choice despite the existing challenges.
T.R.
