The Central Election Commission Discusses Local Elections 2026 with Media Institutions and Journalists

SadaNews - The Central Election Commission held a wide-ranging meeting today, Wednesday, at its headquarters in Al-Bireh, with several editors-in-chief, directors of media institutions, local journalists, and correspondents from Arab channels, as part of its preparations to conduct the local elections scheduled for April 25.

The Executive Director of the Commission, Ashraf Al-Shaibi, provided a comprehensive explanation regarding the law concerning the election of local authority councils and its amendments, confirming that the Commission is a neutral body that stands at an equal distance from everyone. He emphasized the Commission's participatory approach aimed at enhancing trust and ensuring the widest possible participation in the electoral process. Al-Shaibi also informed the attendees about the amendment made to the local elections law, which the Commission recently received, explaining that it aims to enhance participation and broaden the candidate base.

Al-Shaibi addressed the efforts made by the Commission in preparation for the elections, reviewing the main challenges facing its work, primarily the conditions of occupation, checkpoints, funding difficulties, time constraints, and community awareness requirements, stressing the pivotal role of the media in overcoming these challenges and conveying the complete picture to citizens.

For his part, the spokesperson for the Central Election Commission, Farid Ta’amallah, stated that the Commission considers media institutions and journalists as essential partners in the success of the electoral process through the dissemination of accurate information, raising electoral awareness, and enhancing citizens' confidence in the elections as a national and democratic entitlement.

During the meeting, the Central Election Commission reviewed the media plan and awareness plan for the upcoming phase, and responded to participants' inquiries while discussing several issues related to media coverage of the electoral process, agreeing to open continuous communication channels between the Commission and the media.