RAMALLAH, August 24, 2026 (WAFA) — Rami Hamdallah, Chairman of the Central Elections Commission (CEC), met today, Monday, with a group of representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs) at the CEC headquarters in Al-Bireh to discuss ongoing preparations for conducting the legislative elections, emphasizing the need to move forward with conducting them as scheduled on November 28, 2026.
The political and field challenges related to the electoral process were also discussed, as well as the role of CSOs in supporting the electoral process, enhancing participation therein, and exercising their role as observers.
Hamdallah emphasized that conducting the legislative elections as scheduled is a priority for the CEC, pointing out that preparations are moving forward according to the announced timeline to complete the various stages of the electoral process, as well as the preparations and arrangements necessary for conducting the elections.
Moreover, Hamdallah stated that the CEC has successfully concluded the voter registration stage in the West Bank, with a registration rate exceeding 87%, which reflects citizens' interest in participating in the electoral process and their eagerness to exercise their right to vote.
Furthermore, Hamdallah added that the CEC has reopened its offices in the Gaza Strip and completed hiring the necessary technical staff, while preparing to launch the nomination stage on September 26, concurrently in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, embodying the unity of the electoral process and that of the homeland.
Concerning election observation, Hamdallah noted that the CEC has extended invitations to various diplomatic missions to Palestine and interested international organizations to participate in observing the elections, emphasizing that the CEC expects broad international participation.
Additionally, Hamdallah affirmed that CSOs constitute key partners in the electoral process due to the roles they play in electoral awareness and voter education, expanding participation, and observing the various stages of the electoral process, while noting comments and challenges and submitting recommendations in a manner that enhances integrity, transparency, and community-based accountability.
Finally, Hamdallah reaffirmed the CEC's keenness to enable CSOs to exercise their role in an efficient and independent manner, in accordance with the law, regulations, and procedures in place, in a way that guarantees their right to monitoring and observation and contributes to preserving public liberties and electoral rights.
On another note, representatives of CSOs confirmed their support for conducting the legislative elections as scheduled and their readiness to continue collaborating with the CEC, contributing to the success of the various stages of the electoral process.
Moreover, they emphasized the importance of ensuring an electoral environment that is free and honest, guarantees citizens' participation, protects their rights and liberties, and enhances the role of CSOs in observation and awareness.
T.R.
