RAMALLAH, August 15, 2026 (WAFA) — The Central Elections Commission on Saturday announced the launch of field voter registration in the West Bank as part of the legal timetable for the 2026 legislative elections. The registration period will continue through August 19 at 467 registration centers across local communities and refugee camps.
The commission called on citizens who are not registered on the voter roll to register either online through its official website or by visiting any of the registration centers located in cities, villages and camps across the West Bank.
Regarding Jerusalem citizens, the commission said holders of Jerusalem IDs do not need to register and that it will later announce arrangements enabling them to run for office and vote.
Jerusalem citizens living in the West Bank may register at the nearest electoral district office during the field registration period after providing proof of residence.
The commission said Gaza citizens' right to participate in the legislative elections remains guaranteed and that they do not need to register during the current phase. Arrangements for their participation will be announced later in accordance with the approved procedures.
Gaza citizens living in the West Bank who wish to register may visit the nearest electoral district office and provide proof of residence to have their names added to the voter roll.
The commission also called on citizens registered using foreign passports before 2021 to visit the nearest commission office before the registration period ends on August 19 to update their information and ensure their right to run for office and vote.
Voters may also request to transfer their polling center throughout the field registration period by visiting the nearest registration center and providing proof of residence.
Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons can register on the voter roll through a legal representative or by proxy through relatives, the commission said.
Central Elections Commission spokesperson Farid Taamallah, during a visit to a voter registration center at Qalandia refugee camp north of Jerusalem, urged unregistered citizens to register promptly rather than wait until the final days.
Taamallah said registration is the essential gateway to exercising the democratic right to vote and run for office, stressing that the commission would not be able to extend or reopen the registration period after the legal deadline.
He said more than 1.6 million voters are currently registered in the West Bank, representing about 86.5% of those eligible to register, and expressed hope that the percentage would increase in the coming days.
Taamallah stressed the importance of participation by all segments of society, including residents of Palestinian refugee camps, describing them as an integral part of the electoral process. He said the commission had established registration centers in cities, villages and camps to facilitate access.
Taamallah said the Central Elections Commission, as the independent national body responsible for administering and conducting elections, continues to operate with full neutrality and independence and is committed to applying the law and implementing all stages of the electoral process according to the highest standards of integrity and transparency, ensuring citizens' right to participate and freely choose their representatives.
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