Civil Coalition for Elections Reaffirms the Priority of National Dialogue and the Protection of Freedoms to Ensure Free and Inclusive Elections The Civil Coalition for Elections held a meeting at the premises of the Independent Commission in Ramallah on Thursday, 13 August 2026, to follow up on developments related to the call for elections and to discuss the latest amendments to the Electoral System for the Palestinian National Council and the Decree-Law on General Elections, as well as their implications for the electoral process and political participation. In light of these developments, the Coalition reaffirms its previous positions and demands regarding the need to ensure democratic, free, fair and inclusive elections, and emphasizes the following: First: Rejecting Political Conditions Restricting Candidacy and Participation The Coalition reiterates its rejection of any undemocratic political conditions or restrictions on the right to stand for election that could obstruct or prevent the participation of any political groups or components in the electoral process. It emphasizes that the rights to stand for election, vote and participate politically must be guaranteed to all in accordance with the law, in a manner that respects political pluralism and the will of citizens, without imposing conditions that undermine the essence of the democratic process or limit its inclusiveness. Second: Immediate Launch of an Inclusive National Dialogue The Coalition calls for the launch of a comprehensive and structured national dialogue as soon as possible, and prior to the commencement of the electoral timetable and practical procedures, in a manner that enables the participation of all relevant political and societal forces and components. It stresses that national dialogue constitutes a fundamental entry point for addressing contentious issues and creating an appropriate political and legal environment for inclusive elections that enjoy public confidence. Third: Ensuring Public Rights and Freedoms Throughout the Electoral Process The Coalition calls for the issuance of a clear and explicit presidential decree on the protection and restoration of public rights and freedoms, guaranteeing citizens and political forces the freedom to express their views, freedom of assembly and peaceful gathering, and the right to stand for election and participate in electoral campaigns and electioneering without undue pressure or unlawful restrictions. The Coalition also calls on the political leadership and all official authorities to ensure the effective respect and protection of these rights and to take the necessary measures to hold accountable anyone who violates fundamental rights and freedoms, imposes restrictions on citizens' political participation, or unlawfully interferes with the freedom to stand for election, campaign, or engage in electoral activities. Fourth: Setting a Clear Date for the Presidential Elections The Coalition stresses the need for the issuance of a presidential decree clearly and specifically setting the date for the presidential elections, rather than merely referring in general terms to their being held at a later stage. In this regard, the Coalition points to the provisions contained in the latest amendments to the Decree-Law on General Elections, which affirm that the principle is for presidential and legislative elections to be held simultaneously, unless this is not possible. Accordingly, the Coalition calls on the competent official authorities to issue a clear and public position determining whether there is an actual impediment preventing the presidential elections from being held simultaneously with the legislative elections, and to clarify the reasons and justifications underlying any decision in this regard. Fifth: Ensuring the Full Participation of Persons with Disabilities The Coalition calls on the Central Elections Commission to take all necessary measures and procedures to ensure the broadest possible participation of persons with disabilities at all stages of the electoral process, whether in standing for election, voting, or participating in electoral campaigns and activities. It also calls for the removal of all physical, procedural and other barriers that may limit their participation, and for polling stations and polling places to be adapted to ensure accessibility and enable persons with disabilities to use them independently and with dignity. In addition, accessible voter education and electoral materials should be prepared and disseminated in ways that respond to the needs of persons with different disabilities, thereby ensuring their right to access information and exercise their political rights on an equal basis with others. Sixth: Elections to the Palestinian National Council With regard to elections to the Palestinian National Council, the Coalition reaffirms its commitment to the principle of holding elections in the homeland, within the Palestinian territory, as elections constitute the democratic and fundamental means of choosing representatives of the Palestinian people. It rejects resorting to any alternatives to elections that would circumvent citizens' right to freely and directly choose their representatives. The Coalition also reiterates its call for a review of the 2026 Electoral System for the Palestinian National Council, given the gaps and shortcomings it contains, particularly with regard to mechanisms for selecting and representing Council members abroad and in the diaspora. The Coalition believes that the absence of clear and adequate criteria and safeguards may open the door to non-representative or selective appointments serving specific political orientations, rather than reflecting the broad will of Palestinians wherever they reside. Seventh: The Responsibility of the International Community to Support and Protect the Electoral Process The Coalition calls on the international community to provide the political, technical and financial support necessary for the success of the Palestinian electoral process, thereby contributing to the creation of the conditions required for free, fair and inclusive elections in accordance with democratic standards. The Coalition also calls on the international community to take effective action to ensure the entry of all necessary electoral materials and supplies into the Gaza Strip, to enable the competent authorities to carry out their electoral duties without obstruction, and to exert serious and effective pressure on the occupying authorities to cease any measures or practices that could obstruct the electoral process or restrict those participating in it, including arrest, threats, intimidation, or the imposition of restrictions on citizens because of their participation in elections, whether through standing for election, voting, campaigning, or any other form of lawful political participation. As the Civil Coalition for Elections continues to monitor the various legal and political developments related to the electoral process, it emphasizes that the success of any forthcoming elections depends on the availability of political will, a democratic environment, guarantees for rights and freedoms, equal opportunities, and inclusive political and societal participation without exclusion. This is essential to restore the primacy of the popular will and reaffirm elections as the democratic pathway for renewing legitimacy and strengthening the unity of Palestinian representation and institutions.
Ramallah – 13 August 2026 Organizations Constituting the Civil Coalition for Elections: • Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) • Arab World Observatory for Democracy and Elections (Al-Marsad) • Civil Committee for Election Monitoring • Coalition for Accountability and Integrity – AMAN • Media Center for Human Rights and Democracy "SHAMS" • Thabat Center • Jerusalem Legal Aid and Human Rights Center • Palestinian Women's Social Relief Society for Development • Civil Commission for the Independence of the Judiciary and the Rule of Law – Istiqlal • Al-Haq Institution • Palestinian Center for the Independence of the Legal Profession and Judiciary – Musawa • Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy – MIFTAH • Center for the Defense of Liberties and Civil Rights • Palestinian Center for Peace and Democracy Issues • Palestinian Foundation for Empowerment and Local Development – Reform • Palestinian Working Women Society for Development • Palestinian Authority for Media and Youth Empowerment – Pyalara |