Central Elections: Nominations Open for Local Elections for One Week

SadaNews:  The Central Elections Commission announced today, Monday, the opening of nomination application centers for the 2026 local elections, starting today until March 1, in 12 locations distributed across all cities of the West Bank and the city of Deir al-Balah.

The commission added in its statement that its offices will accept nomination applications daily from 9 AM to 2 PM, including on Fridays and Saturdays, in a move aimed at facilitating the nomination procedures within the legally specified period across 421 local authorities.

Regarding the Deir al-Balah authority, the commission clarified that nomination applications are available at its office in Deir al-Balah, and that it will accept applications according to specific procedures and conditions that consider the special circumstances in the Gaza Strip. The commission pointed out that these elections represent a pivotal moment, as they will be the first local elections held in the region since 2005, and it will work to implement elections in all authorities in the sector when suitable conditions are available.

The commission confirmed that it has completed the necessary technical and logistical arrangements to ensure the smooth reception of applications at all reception centers, including preparing the premises, training specialized staff, and clarifying the application mechanisms for candidates, whether they are individuals in village councils or part of electoral lists in municipal councils, all in accordance with the provisions of the law.

It clarified that all information related to application conditions, application forms, and detailed procedures is available on its website, allowing candidates to review the legal and administrative requirements beforehand before heading to the commission's offices, thus avoiding any shortcomings or delays in completing transactions.

The Central Elections Commission called on any candidate facing a violation that prevents them from exercising their right to nominate or vote to file a complaint with the Independent Commission for Human Rights – Ombudsman's Office, where the complaint will be followed up in coordination with the commission according to established procedures, ensuring the protection of rights and public freedoms.

It urged all those wishing to nominate to carefully review their applications and complete all required documents and attachments before visiting its offices, aiming to expedite the processing of transactions and avoid any procedural issues. It also encouraged candidates not to delay submitting their applications until the last day of the nomination period, confirming that the nomination window will close at the end of business on the last day without any extension, ensuring the regularity of the election process timetable and the smooth completion of procedures.