Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Ramallah
The Arab World Observatory for Democracy and Elections concluded a series of meetings entitled "A Study Day for In-Depth Discussion on Local Elections Law No. 10 of 2005 and its Amendments" in the northern, central, and southern West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Participants included representatives from civil society organizations, political parties, and a group of young people, legal professionals, and academics. This was part of a National Endowment for Democracy (NED) project.
The discussion focused on Local Elections Law No. (10) of 2005 and its amendments. The discussion highlighted the most suitable local election system based on the past four election cycles, issues that could increase women's representation on local councils, issues that could increase youth representation in local elections, the necessary financial controls for local elections, and how to mitigate the negative use of social media during the electoral process. Several general proposals were presented to improve the electoral process at the local level. At the end of the program, all proposals from the northern, central, and southern West Bank and the Gaza Strip will be compiled and shared with relevant stakeholders (the Ministry of Local Government, the Central Elections Commission, and the political parties and factions participating in the electoral process).
The most prominent of these general proposals for improving the electoral process at the local level included:
The necessity of holding legislative and presidential elections to legitimize life and democratize Palestinian society and the electoral process.
And ensuring the regularity of elections at all levels, setting and confirming election dates.
Regarding the local election system:
- It is important to research what strengthens the role of local authorities and which electoral systems can provide them with the necessary space to fulfill their responsibilities. A mixed system could be a solution to some problems, whereby elections in small local authorities are conducted using a majority system with some controls regarding election mechanisms, while maintaining the proportional representation system and closed lists for elections in medium and large councils, with specific controls ensuring that the largest bloc elects the head of the local authority and setting a minimum number of members on each list.
- Elections must be held in all local authorities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, especially since the Gaza Strip has not participated in local elections since the political division.
- Lowering the candidacy age to involve young people in the electoral process as both voters and candidates.
- Establishing democratic mechanisms to reduce endorsement in local councils, such as referendums on the lists and a minimum percentage of citizen participation.
- Increasing the women's quota to 30% to achieve gender parity.
- Developing campaign financing systems to ensure fairness among competing electoral lists. Setting controls for the use of social media and subjecting it to the law.