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A series of meetings entitled "A Study Day: In-Depth Discussion on the Local Elections Law"

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A series of meetings entitled "A Study Day: In-Depth Discussion on the Local Elections Law"

On Wednesday,

 July 19, 2023,

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 Gaza Strip, with the participation of representatives of civil society organizations, representatives of political parties, as well as a group of young people, lawyers, 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 also presented for improving 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 the outcomes will be shared with relevant stakeholders (the Ministry of Local Government, the Central Elections Commission, and the political parties and factions participating in the electoral process).


1. The necessity of holding legislative and presidential elections to legitimize life and democratize Palestinian society and the electoral process.

2. The necessity of establishing a regular election schedule and setting fixed dates. 3. The law governing the electoral process must be implemented in a way that achieves justice and democracy in Palestinian society.

4. The law must be developed to serve the interests of society.

5. Ending the division is essential to achieving the necessary changes and amendments to regulate the electoral process.

6. The funds used in the electoral process must be limited, subject to oversight, and clearly defined as to their allocation and purpose.

7. Those who violate the executive procedures of the electoral process must be held strictly accountable.

8. The Central Elections Commission must be granted official status in all follow-ups, procedures, accountability measures, and the imposition of penalties.

9. The minimum age for candidacy should be raised to 21 for young people who are empowered and possess the necessary skills. They should be given opportunities to participate in these fields, as this contributes to their personal development and reflects societal progress in all areas, especially in light of technological advancements.

10. Efforts must be made to increase the percentage of women in parliament to 30%, and then to parity, provided that they receive empowerment, development, and capacity building. 11. Raising community awareness and fostering a culture of prioritizing the needs of the community over those of families or political parties. Only when women have the power to decide on candidacy and representation can we consider relinquishing the quota system.

12. The order of women on the electoral list needs to be regulated and enforced.

13. Working diligently to promote civic engagement, especially among youth.

14. A clear separation between political parties, families, security apparatuses, and the governing law is essential.

15. Those who exploit political office, public funds, or the party must be punished with deterrent penalties, and favoritism should not be tolerated.

16. Reducing the minimum number of candidates on electoral lists, perhaps from 3 to 5 members, will minimize the number of candidates who are merely there to garner votes.

17. Establishing minimum and maximum age limits for candidacy.

18. Enforcing the law that mandates municipal or village council members to work within the electoral commission, particularly for those working within the municipality or as employees. 19. Monitoring social media and imposing penalties such as those that can be imposed if any comment is written that is unacceptable to the authorities.