2017 Local Elections Guidebook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. The Central Elections Commission 7 2. Palestinian Political Structure 9 3. Elections in Palestine 11 4. The 2017 Local Elections 13 The Electoral Calendar 13 Voter Registration, Exhibition and Challenge 13 Nomination 13 Electoral Campaigning 14 Early Voting of Security Forces 15 Polling and Counting 15 Declaration of Results 16 Electoral Challenges 17 5. Voter Information and Services 18 6. Election Observation 20 Observer Accreditation 20 7. Media Coverage 22 Media Services 22 Electoral Campaigning and the Media 23 8. Elections in East Jerusalem 24 9. Appendices 25

Welcome Letter from the Chairman of the CEC

The Central Elections Commission (CEC) welcomes you to Palestine as we prepare for the 2017 local elections. These elections buttress democratic values and are part of the processes of good governance in the emerging State of Palestine.

The upcoming elections would be the third round of local elections since the establishment of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) in 1994. Unfortunately, due to the internal conflict within Palestine, local elections will be held in the West Bank only. However, the decree for local elections permeates all over the country and it is hoped that in the future, when there is an internal reconciliation, the CEC will be able to hold local elections in Gaza Strip as well.

While I have pointed out to the internal conflict in the challenges facing the present local elections, one must note that the military occupation poses a much more serious and sinister complexity. The extensive restrictions on movement enforced by the Israeli army on the Palestinian population continue to hamper the CEC’s ability to maintain its responsibility and hindering the population to attain their legitimate rights. An apparent, flagrant violation is in Jerusalem, where Israel continues to deny the right of Palestinians to be represented in local councils.

Within the context of military occupation, it is worthy to note that most of the population will go to the election booths this coming May having known no rule but a military occupation that has imposed itself on Palestinians since 1967 yet the Palestinian people are vibrant, determined to exercise their legitimate rights. It is against this backdrop of internal conflict, military occupation, that local elections will be held. As such, the presence of local and international observers, as well as media representative, will bolster our call for fairness and transparency.

Irrespective of any challenges that might face the electoral process, the CEC is committed for free and fair elections. The CEC will continuously monitor all issues related to freedom of expression, voting, and nomination rights which are guaranteed by the law. It is these issues that are essential in any electoral process. To that end, the CEC is engaged in constant coordination with political parties, civil

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook 5 society organizations, and the government to reinforce a fair process and freedom of participation.

This guide was prepared by the CEC as a resource for all international visitors, including observers, media representatives, and guests. We hope that it will provide all the information you need while witnessing elections. We trust that it will enhance your understanding of the key issues related to the upcoming local elections.

Once again, I would like to welcome you to Palestine and to personally thank you for your participation. It is a sign of solidarity with Palestine and its people as well as an affirmation of your conviction of the importance of elections as the only viable way for good governance and state building.

Dr. Hanna Nasir Chairman, CEC

6 LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook 1. The Central Elections Commission

The Central Elections Commission (CEC) is an independent body in-charge of administering presidential, legislative, and local elections in the occupied Palestinian territories. It was established in 2002 in response to the 1995 Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement on the West Bank (WB) and the Gaza Strip (GS), which stipulated that elections would be held for both the executive office of the president as well as for members of the legislature. The agreement, which followed the 1993 Declaration of Principles (Oslo Accords) calling for the establishment of an elected Palestinian Council, details the organization, structure and functions of the legislature; the scope of power of the legislative and executive branches; and the modalities of their elections. The Central Elections Commission is composed of a board of nine members appointed by the president of the state of Palestine. The president also appoints the chairman and the secretary-general of the commission. Members of the commission are chosen from among senior judges, lawyers and academics of the Palestin- ian community. Below is the list of the CEC Commissioners: 1. Dr. Hanna Nasir Chairman 2. Ms. Lamis al-Alami Secretary General 3. Mr. Mazin Sisalem Member 4. Ms. Khawla Shakhshir Member 5. Mr. Shukri Nashashibi Member 6. Mr. Ishac Muhanna Member 7. Mr. Yasir Mohammad Mousa Member 8. Mr. Yousif Awadallah Member 9. Mr. Ahmad al-Khalidi Member

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook 7 The main duties of the commission are: ➲ Ratifying all necessary procedures for conducting presidential, legislative and local elections in Palestine. ➲ Supervising and monitoring each step of the electoral process. ➲ Verifying that election activities are carried out in accordance with the law. ➲ Ensuring that the necessary measures are in place to allow elections to be held in a free, fair and transparent manner. ➲ Ratifying and announcing the election results.

The daily operations of the CEC are undertaken by the Electoral Administration (EA), which is the administrative and executive body of the commission. It is headed by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), who is appointed by the commission and reports directly to it. The CEC’s headquarters are located in Ramallah, with a regional office in Gaza and a district office in each of the 16 electoral districts. The EA prepares plans, procedures, and bylaws and presents them before the commissioners for ratification. The tasks of the EA include:

➲ Establishing goals for electoral processes and developing appropriate strategies. ➲ Organizing and executing voter education campaigns on the importance of elections and how citizens can get involved as voters, candidates and in other roles. ➲ Acting as a main contact and information point for all election stakeholders, observers and media. ➲ Accrediting political parties and candidates. ➲ Accrediting local and international electoral observers, media representatives and party/candidate agents. ➲ Conducting voter registration and preparing the final voters list. ➲ Administering polling and counting for presidential, legislative and local elections.

The CEC’s core institutional values are intended to ensure that elections are conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner. They are as follows: Transparency: All election-related information, including CEC decisions, operational strategies and budgets, are made available to the public. Integrity: Procedures are in place to ensure that actions such as hiring, procurement and financial planning are conducted with institutional integrity. Neutrality: The CEC maintains its independence and neither yields to external pres- sure nor favors one electoral stakeholder over another. Professionalism: Professional systems and expertise are sought to ensure that elections are conducted according to international standards.

8 LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook 2. Palestinian Political Structure

The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) The PLO was officially established in 1964 as an umbrella organization for Palestin- ian factions, and has been recognized by the United Nations as ‘the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people’. The PLO officially represents all Palestin- ians in the Diaspora, as well as those living in East Jerusalem, the WB and the GS. The PLO’s legislative body is the Palestinian National Council (PNC), consisting of PLC members and other representatives from the Diaspora who are nominated by the PLO Executive Committee. The PLO entered into negotiations with Israel in the early 1990s, which resulted in the signing of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, also known as the Oslo Accords, in 1993.

The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) The PNA was established on the basis of the Oslo Declaration, and was to be a temporary administrative body that would serve for an interim period and govern Palestinian affairs in areas of self-rule until the final status negotiations.

On 20 January 1996, the first Palestinian national elections were held to elect the president of the PNA and the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC). The second intifada erupted in late September 2000, due to political disagreements, breaches of Israel’s commitments under the Oslo Accords, subsequent Palestinian frustration and continued Israeli aggression. A Palestinian state therefore did not come into being, but the Palestinian governing structure survived.

The current PNA is a combination of parliamentary and presidential systems, and is divided into executive, legislative and judicial bodies. Voters directly elect both the president of the PNA and the members of the PLC. The PNA’s mandate is limited to civil affairs and internal security in the Palestinian-controlled areas.

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook 9 The Executive Authority The executive authority of the PNA consists of the President and a cabinet of ministers headed by the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the President.

The Legislative Authority The Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) is the elected legislative authority responsible for the drafting and monitoring of legislation. The PLC is composed of 132 members.

The Judicial Authority The Palestinian courts are divided into three types: shari’a and re- ligious courts, the Supreme Constitutional Court and regular courts which include the Court of First Instance, Magistrate Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, and Court of Cassation.

The Local Authorities Local authorities had a wide range of powers and functions in the lives of Palestinians prior to the establishment of the PNA in 1994. Some of the current local authorities date back to the Ottoman era, while others have only been established since 1994. Local authorities serve various functions and derive their financial resources from various sources including; the national government, donors and taxes on services. There are a total of 416 local authorities nationwide; 391 in the WB and 25 in the GS. They are classified by the Ministry of Local Gov- ernment as municipal and village councils in accordance with the criteria of population and area size. The number of local councils’ seats designated for a local authority varies in accordance with the above classification into councils with 15 seats, 13 seats, 11 seats and 9 seats.

10 LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook 3. Elections in Palestine

The First Palestinian General Elections The second annex of the Oslo Agreements stipulated that ‘direct, free and general elections’ would be held for the president of the executive authority and members of the PLC. On 20 January 1996, the first Palestinian general elections were held in East Jerusalem, the WB and the GS in accordance with Palestinian Elections Law No. 13 of 1995 and the subsequently issued presidential decrees. The Elections Law was based on the simple majority system. The WB and GS were grouped into one electoral district for the purposes of presidential elections, but divided into 16 electoral districts for the legislative elections. In this law, 88 seats were allocated to the 16 electoral districts; six seats were designated for Christians and one for the Samaritans. The Second Palestinian General Elections The second presidential elections were held on 9 January 2005 following the pass- ing away of President Yasser Arafat. A year later, the second legislative elections were held on 25 January 2006 under the amended Elections Law No. 9 of 2005. Elections were conducted on the basis of a mixed electoral system: 66 seats were elected via national electoral lists based on the system of proportional representation and 66 via the majoritarian system in different districts. Six seats were designated for Christians, and quotas for women were designated within the list system. The 2004 and 2005 Local Elections The first legislation governing local elections was enacted in 1996. The Higher Commission for Local Elections was established and mandated to run the local elections. Law No. 5 of 1996 adopted the majority system, whereby candidates would compete individually and those who obtain a majority of the valid votes in their locality would win seats. Elections were called in five phases at 368 localities; however, four phases were carried out. The first phase was conducted in December 2004 and the second in May 2005 in accordance with Law No. 5 of 1996.

In August 2005, a new local elections law; law No. 10 of 2005, was enacted replac- ing the previous law. The law adopted the system of full proportional representation. The third and fourth phases of elections were carried out under the new law in September 2005 and December 2005. The fifth phase was scheduled in December 2006; however, did not take place due to political reasons.

In December 2005, the mandate for administering local elections transferred from the Higher Commission for Local Elections to the Central Elections Commission.

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook 11 The 2012 Local Elections The local elections of 2012 were scheduled on 20 October in both the WB and GS. However, due to the political split between the WB and GS, it was called in 354 localities in the WB, in accordance with Local Council Elections Law No. 10 of 2005 and its amendments. The 2016 Local Elections A national local election was scheduled to take place on 8 October 2016 in 416 localities in the WB and GS. Two major phases of elections; voter registration and nomination, were completed where 864 electoral lists were nominated. However, following the Supreme Court decision on 3 October 2016 to resume elections in the WB and halt elections in the GS due to the absence of a legitimate judicial system in accordance with the basic law and relevant laws, and based on a recommendation of the CEC, the Cabinet issued a subsequent decision to postpone local elections in both the WB and GS for four months.

12 LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook 4. The 2017 Local Elections

On 9 January 2017, the President issued a decree by law amending the Local Elec- tions Law by which the Elections Cases Court was formed to adjucate elections appeals instead of the Court of First Instance. The Cabinet issued a decision on 31 January 2017 calling for local elections to be held in one day in all localities of the WB and GS and set the elections day on 13 May 2017. However, following Hamas rejection to the holding of elections in the GS, the Cabinet issued a subsequent decision on 28 February 2017 postponing elections in the Strip while resuming the process in 391 local authorities in the WB.

The Electoral Calendar The electoral calendar specifies the legal periods of electoral phases in accordance with the elections law. These include; voter registration, exhibition and challenge, nomination, electoral campaigning, polling and counting and declaration of results. It also specifies the legal periods for election challenges and court appeals.

Voter Registration, Exhibition and Challenge Voter registration is one of the most important and sensitive phases of the electoral process. An accurate, complete and updated voters’ registry forms the basis of sound elections. In this phase, the voters’ list is exhibited in all registration centers for five days. Registered voters may change their registration information or object to the registration of others if deemed illegible during this phase. This period also allows unregistered voters to register either through registration centers or online. The CEC will open 759 exhibition and challenges centers across the 391 localities of the WB. These centers will also serve as polling centers on elections day.

Nomination Nomination for the 2017 local elections will be open from 28 March until 6 April. According to law, nomination will be on the basis of full proportional representation system-closed lists. In order to be nominated, a candidate of the electoral list must be aged 25 years or above on elections day, registered in the final voters’ list of the local authority to which he/she wishes to be nominated to the membership of its council. He/she should not be convicted with a felony against honor or a crime. He/she should not be an employee of the Ministry of Local Government, the security forces, the local authority or an advocate of the local authority. He/she should not be a president or

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook 13 a member of the local authority unless resigned, and not nominated in more than one local authority or electoral list. Nomination applications, along with supporting documents and enclosures, should be submitted by the list representative to the CEC district offices. Electoral lists should meet the women and Christian quota as stipulated in the law and CEC regulations. The number of candidates in the electoral list should not be less than the majority of seats designated for the locality. Failure to meet candidacy requirements for the list and/or any of its candidates will lead to the rejection of the list. Each list should deposit nomination fees in the amount of 500 JDs to CEC’s account, and 500 JDs as a guarantee against abiding by electoral campaigning regulations. The fees are refundable in case the list wins at least one seat or withdraws its nomination and adheres to elections campaigning regulations.

Electoral Campaigning Electoral campaigning will last for 13 days as of 29 April until 11 May. All electoral campaigning activities must end 24 hours prior to elections day. All nominated lists are guaranteed the right to election campaigning by the law. Rallies or public election meetings are absolutely prohibited in mosques, churches and buildings or facilities used for public or government services. Speeches, publications, advertisements and posters must not contain inflammatory propaganda or accusations against other lists or candidates. Campaigns are also prohibited from including material that invoke tribal, familial or factional strife among groups of citizens. The CEC arranges for electoral lists to have equal and free time on official media outlets to explain their electoral platforms. The CEC reviews the content of television and radio spots prior to broadcasting to ensure that it does not contain any inflammatory statements or accusations against other lists or candidates or violations to public morals. Electoral lists are legally forbidden from receiving funding, directly or indirectly, for their electoral campaigning activities from any external sources. The law does not place an expenditure limit on electoral campaigning for electoral lists in local elections. However, each electoral list must present a detailed financial statement to the CEC, within one month from the announcement of the final election results, listing all the sources of funding and expenditures of election campaigning activities.

14 LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook Early Voting of Security Forces Early voting for security forces will take place on 11 May. This will ensure their legal right of election participation and enable them to undertake their duty on the official elections day in securing the electoral process. Early voting will take place only in the localities which have more than 200 registered members of security forces. The security personnel cast votes will be counted on the official elections day on 13 May. In the localities where the number of registered security personnel is less than 200, registered security members will vote on the official elections day.

Polling and Counting Polling will run between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on 13 May 2017. A total of 1,134,636 registered voters are eligible to participate in the upcoming elections. To that extent, the CEC will open 758 polling centers and 1,716 polling stations across the 391 localities of the WB. On elections day, each voter will receive a ballot paper containing the names of competing electoral lists in his/her locality. The voter should mark an “X” next to the name of the list of his/her choice. Illiterate voters or voters with special needs may be accompanied by someone to assist them in filling out the ballot paper. Counting of votes commences immediately after the end of polling in each station. Once counting is complete, counting protocols are signed by relevant staff and agents of political parties and lists and published in stations. Copies of protocols will be delivered to the CEC data center, locality tabulation center, and the CEC district office.

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook 15 The polling and counting process is observed by parties’ agents and accredited local and international observers. Access to polling centers is also granted to accredited media outlets and journalists. The CEC took a special measure to facilitate the voting of people with disabilities. This include moving handicapped voters to ground floor station, and provided visually impaired voters with special tool to enable them vote independently in special centers on a pilot bases, to be applied in future elections.

Declaration of Results

Winning lists are allocated a number of seats in the local council in proportion to the number of valid votes obtained, provided they achieve the 8% minimum threshold of valid votes. The number of seats assigned to each list is allocated in accordance with the Sainte-Lagüe method- an internationally approved method designed to eliminate the problem of fractions in the allocation process. During the process of allocation of seats, quotas for women and Christians are applied per the law.

The elections preliminary results are declared at two levels. At the locality level, the number of votes received by each list will be published at the tabulation center in the local council. At the central level, the CEC will hold a press conference to announce the preliminary results for each locality within 24 hours from the end of polling day. These results include the number of votes obtained by each list, number of seats, and the names of wining candidates. The final results will be announced within 72 hours of elections day.

16 LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook Electoral Challenges

Electoral decisions issued by the CEC may be challenged in accordance with law within the specified legal periods indicated in the elections calendar. Challenges to the preliminary voters’ list are made during the exhibition and challenge phase; challenges to the nomination of an electoral list or candidate are made during the nomination phase. Citizens may also challenge the preliminary elections results.

Any challenges submitted to the CEC should be supported with the necessary documents. The CEC reviews challenges and issues its final decisions which are subject to appeal before the Elections cases Court. The Court decisions are considered final and binding to both the CEC and appellants. The Elections Cases Court sessions will be convened at the premises of the Courts of First Instance in the districts of Ramallah, Nablus and Bethlehem.

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook 17 5. Voter Information and Services

The CEC offers a wide range of voters’ information and services to election stakeholders and the general public throughout all phases of the electoral process. These include: Voter Awareness Voter education and awareness campaigns take place throughout all stages of the electoral process, and aim to provide voters with the necessary information to enable them to exercise their right to vote. Various communication tools are utilized to reach the public, including Social Media, posters, billboards, banners, fliers, stickers, radio and TV spots, etc. The CEC has also put forth a set of procedures aiming at engaging Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and facilitating their participation in the electoral process whether as election staff, voters, candidates, observers or guests. All CEC printed and audio-visual materials are provided in formats (braille, sign language) that allow access to information to a large audience of people with various types of disabilities and impairments. The CEC’s webpage is made accessible to the blind, visually impaired persons, the illiterate and those with reading difficulties through a special screen reader. Elections staff receive intensive training, prior to elections, to be able assist and respond to the needs of PWDs through all phases of the electoral process.

18 LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook Toll-Free Number The toll-free number (1-800-300-400) is operated to respond to queries of the general public. Call center staff undergo intensive training on how to handle voters’ queries and complaints. Voters can ask questions about any phase of the electoral process and obtain information on location of registration and polling centers, how to fill in the ballot paper, and their registration status. Website The CEC’s website is one of the most effective and highly used tools of communication. It provides information and services to all election stakeholders, including voters, candidates, journalists and local and international observers. It provides comprehensive information and resources on the legal framework governing any type of elections, electoral calendars, electoral maps, forms needed by various stakeholders and extensive voter education materials. The website also provides a number of key online services including E-registration, and ‘find your polling center’ service which allows registered voters to view their information on the voters’ list and verify their polling centers. Social Media The CEC utilizes social media as a major tool in raising voters’ awareness in all aspects of the elections process to increase Pales- tinian’s participation in democratic processes and enhance electoral knowledge and partnership with election stakeholders. Facebook, Twitter and YouTube platforms have been employed as complementary communication tools to the traditional methods of voter outreach. These platforms play a significant role in enhancing elections education among the voting public, particularly among

/CECPalestine WWW.ELECTIONS.PS 1-800-300-400 WWW.ELECTIONS.PS /CECPalestine the young generations, and elections stakeholders at large. During the previous elections event, the CEC’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CECPalestine has become a hub for all election stakeholders with around four million followers. CEC’s twitter account: https://twitter.com/palelections attracts more than 12,000 active users and its YouTube channel https://www.youtube. com/user/CECPalestine has more than 80,000 subscribers.

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook 19 6. Election Observation

Electoral observation aims to detect any infractions in the electoral process, provide concerned bodies with remarks on the progress of the electoral process and decisions taken, and encourage integrity and neutrality in the electoral process. Article 58 of Local Council Elections Law No. 10 of 2005 confirmed the right for observers and agents of electoral lists to oversee all phases of the electoral process. The CEC facilitates the mission of local and international observers and encourages their participation to ensure the integrity and transparency of elections. Electoral observation must be non-partisan, neutral, transparent, accurate and respectful of Palestinian laws and institutions. All observers should adhere to the Code of Conduct for observers.

Observer Accreditation Local and international observers may apply for accreditation online through CEC’s webpage: www.elections.ps. In order to be accredited, observers should meet the following requirements: ➲ A local observation organization must be working in the field of democracy, human rights, good governance, or any other relevant field. It should be registered and operational in accordance with relevant Palestinian laws and should be financially, administratively and structurally independent of any affiliations to electoral lists. ➲ International observation may be either a diplomatic mission working in Pales- tine or international electoral missions. ➲ In a limited number of cases, the CEC issues guest cards which are primarily reserved for government officials or dignitaries who do not wish to officially report on the elections but would like to have access to registration and polling centers.

The electoral process is also observed by agents of the electoral lists. Electoral lists should nominate their representatives to be accredited as list agents. As the case with local and international observers, lists’ agents are not permitted to interfere in the electoral process. Their presence ensures fairness of the electoral process and protects the rights of their electoral lists.

20 LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook Observers are not permitted to make remarks or complaints regarding the electoral process in the polling centers. However, an observer may take notes and submit them to the observation body that s/he represents. The observation body may submit the written notes to the CEC along with its observation report. Agents, however, may submit formal on-site complaints and receive an immediate response. Each registration, polling or counting center will have forms prepared for this purpose. The presiding officer of the registration, polling or counting center must respond promptly to the complaints from agents according to the standard procedures for the relevant process. Local and international observation organizations are expected to submit a report after the end of the electoral process based on detailed information gathered from various polling centers. The CEC makes every effort to respond to the suggestions made in the observation reports.

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook 21 7. Media Coverage

The CEC seeks to provide media representatives with all the necessary information and services to enable unhindered coverage of the electoral operations. Accredited media representatives can have access to registration, polling and counting centers, and media center facilities. The accreditation of local and international media representatives for the 2017 local elections will take place from 2 March until 6 May. Accreditation applicants must:

➲ Complete and submit all online application forms. ➲ Be able to demonstrate their employment with an official media organization. ➲ Free lance journalists may attach a copy of the media card from the Ministry of Information or the journalists’ syndicate membership card. And evidence of recently published or broadcast work. ➲ Foreign journalists must attach a photocopy of the press card from the Pales- tinian Ministry of Information ➲ Adhere to the Code of Conduct for media representatives issued by the CEC.

Media Services The CEC provides accredited media representatives with a variety of media services: ➲ Press releases: The CEC issues press releases on electoral preparations and developments. Press releases are distributed to accredited local and international media representatives through mailing list and are published to the CEC’s website in English and Arabic. ➲ Press conferences: CEC press conferences are held regularly to brief journalists and answer their questions. Invitations are sent to all accredited media representatives. ➲ Press kits: The CEC will provide press kits containing information such as contact lists for CEC officials, statistics relating to the electoral process in Palestine, and detailed maps of registration, polling and counting centers in each electoral district. Press kits will be available at the CEC headquarters in Ramallah.

22 LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook ➲ Interviews with CEC officials: Media representatives wishing to arrange for an interview with a CEC official should contact the CEC media coordinator in Ra- mallah. ➲ Mailing list: Subscribers to the CEC mailing list receive information and press releases issued by the CEC. Interested persons may join the CEC mailing list by submitting their information on the CEC website. ➲ Media center: The CEC will operate a media center in Ramallah which aims to provide various services needed by journalists and media representatives. The media center will be the main source of information on Election Day. The CEC will issue all press releases and hold press conferences at the media center to keep journalists informed about any developments in the polling and counting process. Only accredited media representatives will be permitted to use the center. The location and services of the media center will be announced in the weeks before elections day. ➲ Media coordinator: The CEC media coordinator is responsible for assisting and directing media representatives to information resources. The coordinator will be available at the CEC headquarters in Ramallah and will respond to inquiries and provide media representatives with updates on both the electoral process and the media services provided by the CEC. The CEC media coordinator may be contacted at (02) 2969700, ext. 771 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Electoral Campaigning and the Media Official media outlets shall adhere to the following:

➲ Neutrality at every stage of the electoral process. ➲ Provide equal opportunities for electoral lists to present their electoral platforms without censorship. ➲ Refrain from obtaining any financial compensation for broadcasting the electoral campaigns of electoral lists. ➲ Refrain from broadcasting any additional advertisements, whether paid or unpaid, for any electoral list. ➲ Refrain from conducting electoral or campaigning activities that support a certain electoral list over another. ➲ Coordinate with the CEC to set up timetables that assign broadcasting periods for all electoral lists. ➲ Refrain from broadcasting campaign advertisements before or after the legal campaign period.

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook 23 Private media outlets should adhere to the following regulations when broadcasting any campaign materials for electoral lists: ➲ Refrain from distributing any material that defames another list or candidate, or that may invoke tribal or family feuds. ➲ Refrain from distributing any material that makes use of the logo of the Pal- estinian National Authority in electoral advertisements, articles, posters or pictures. ➲ Observe the legal timeline for electoral campaigning and refrain from distributing any materials before or after the official campaigning period.

8. Elections in East Jerusalem Jerusalem has a unique political status that sets it apart from other districts. The electoral district of Jerusalem is divided into two zones: J1 and J2. The J1 is the city of Jerusalem which was unilaterally annexed by the Israeli occupation in 1967 and surrounded by the separation wall which Israel considers to be under its authority. There are around 250,000 Palestinians residing in J1 who are deprived from the right to participate in Palestinian local elections. Suburbs of Jerusalem (J2) include 28 localities that will be participating in local elections.

24 LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook Appendices

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook 25 Appendix 1: Electoral Calendar

Legal period Date of Electoral event )days( Implementation

Voter registration, exhibition and challenges 5 4/3/2017

Processing of appeals by the Commission 5 9/3/2017

Appealing of CEC decisions before the court 5 14/3/2017

Adjudication of appeals by the court 5 19/3/2017

Nomination 10 28/3/2017

Last date to withdraw nominations for candidates 1 5/4/2017

Closing of nominations 1 6/4/2017

Publishing of the preliminary list of candidates 1 9/4/2017

Receiving of objections to the lists and their candidates 3 10/4/2017

Processing of objections to the nominations 3 13/4/2017

Appealing the CEC decisions on the nominations before the court 3 16/4/2017

Adjudication of the appeals submitted on the nominations by the court 5 19/4/2017

Last date to withdraw nominations for lists 1 28/4/2017

Publishing of the final register of electoral lists 1 29/4/2017

Electoral campaigning 13 29/4/2017

Last date of electoral campaigning 1 11/5/2017

Early voting for security forces 1 11/5/2017

Polling day 1 13/5/2017

Announcement of the preliminary election results and commence- 1 14/5/2017 ment of the final counting process

Announcement of the final election results 3 16/5/2017

Submission of appeals on election results to the electoral court 7 17/5/2017

Adjudication of appeals by the court 5 24/5/2017

26 LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook Appendix 2: Electoral Districts in the West Bank

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook 27 Appendix 3: Code of Conduct for Local and International Media Representatives

Palestinian electoral law guarantees the right of local and international media representatives to cover all phases of the electoral process and assigns the responsibility for media accreditation to the CEC. Standards and principles of media coverage Local and international media shall adhere to the following standards: ➲ Professionalism: Media representatives should be professional in their coverage of the electoral process, commit to neutrality, objectivity and credibility and refrain from publishing news that may invoke hatred, racism or tribal disputes. ➲ Compliance with the law: Journalists and media representatives shall adhere to the laws and regulations issued in this regard as well as to the Code of Conduct for journalists issued by the CEC. ➲ Accuracy: Journalists and media representatives shall seek accuracy in the information they provide to the public regarding the electoral process by ensuring that information is obtained from reliable sources.

Rights of media representatives All accredited media representatives covering the electoral process shall be entitled to the following: ➲ Media accreditation cards issued by the CEC. ➲ Entry into all registration, polling and counting centers (with the consent of the presiding officer). ➲ Access to all services and facilities provided in the CEC media centers. ➲ To conduct interviews inside registration, polling and counting centers with voters, observers, and agents of political parties and candidates. Interviews, however, are strictly prohibited inside registration and polling stations and may not in any way interfere in electoral processes. ➲ Meetings with CEC officials. ➲ To interview candidates and their representatives during the legally mandated electoral campaigning period.

28 LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook Obligations of journalists and media representatives

All accredited journalists and media representatives must adhere to the following: ➲ CEC accreditation cards must be worn while inside registration, polling and counting centers. ➲ The display of colors, symbols or slogans that are similar or identical to any of those belonging to partisan entities is prohibited. ➲ Refrain from creating any disturbance inside registration, polling and counting centers and leave the center when it is crowded to avoid hindering the polling process. ➲ Interviews must not be conducted inside polling and counting stations.Taking photographs or video footage of voters filling in ballot papers is prohibited. ➲ Obtaining or recording the personal information of registrants or voters is prohibited. ➲ Refrain from interfering in the electoral process and from influencing the decisions of voters. ➲ Refrain from using CEC accreditation cards for purposes other than those specified, and from giving the card to anyone other than the person to whom it was issued.

General provisions ➲ The presiding officer of the registration, polling or counting center is entitled to check accreditation cards before allowing journalists to enter the registration, polling or counting center. The presiding officer regulates and facilitates the work of media representatives inside the registration, polling or counting center. ➲ The CEC has the right to revoke the accreditation of any media representative or journalist in the event of a violation of the provisions of the law and the regulations of this code of conduct. ➲ The CEC has designated two spokespersons: the Chairman, Dr. Hanna Nasir, and the CEO, Mr. Hisham Kuhail. All interviews of CEC personnel must be coordinat- ed with Mr. Fareed Taamallah, the media coordinator at the CEC’s headquarters.

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook 29 Appendix 4: Code of Conduct for Electoral Campaigning

Palestinian electoral law regulates a number of aspects of electoral campaigning and places limitations on the locations, time, content and funding of electoral campaigns. The CEC has published these rules and regulations and continuously moni- tors campaigns in order to verify their observance of the rules and regulations. The legal right of electoral campaigning All candidates seeking election are guaranteed the right to campaign in accordance with electoral law and the statutes and instructions issued by the CEC. Definition of electoral campaigning An electoral campaign consists of legal electoral activities and actions undertaken by registered party organizations to explain their platform to the voting public. Includ- ed in the definition of the campaign are any appeals made by party organizations for the public to vote in the interest of any of the lists. The legal timeline for electoral campaigning According to the legal schedule for the 2017 Local Elections, electoral campaigning begins on 29 April and ends at midnight on 11 May. Political parties, electoral lists, candidates, and government and private media are obliged to observe this timing. It is forbidden to undertake any form of electoral campaigning in accordance with the above definition before or after the appointed period. This includes a ban on advertisements, press reports, rallies, conferences and speeches explaining the electoral platform, as well as direct or indirect appeals for votes for any list before or after the legally appointed period. Locations where electoral campaigning is banned Rallies or public electoral meetings are absolutely prohibited in mosques and churches and in buildings or places used by the public services or government organizations. Regulations regarding the content of electoral campaigns It is absolutely prohibited for speeches, publications, advertisements or posters to contain any inflammatory propaganda or accusations against other candidates or lists, or material which provokes tribal, familial or factional strife among citizens. Electoral campaigning Government media regulations ➲ The CEC creates a special program in cooperation with the public Palestinian media, allocating times to be set aside for free advertising for all candidates and lists, on the condition that opportunities are provided equitably.

30 LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook ➲ Free advertising provides electoral lists with advertising time in which to present their political platforms without censorship. The advertisements must not violate the public order, nor include of any inflammatory propaganda or accusations against any other candidate or list. ➲ It is not permitted for the public media to accept any form of payment for the airtime that is allotted to each list. ➲ The conditions for the campaign advertisements of each list must be met equally, through the provision of corresponding airtime broadcast at equivalent times. For example, broadcasting all the advertisements at peak time, rotating the order in which candidates appear and providing equal conditions for any advertising time apart from live campaigning. ➲ It is not permitted for the official media to broadcast additional advertisements, whether paid for or not, on behalf of any electoral list. Private media regulations ➲ All private media, including radio and television stations, must observe the election campaign regulations set down in the electoral laws, the foremost of which are the mandated period for electoral campaigning and the ban on inflammatory propaganda and accusations against any candidates or lists. It is not permitted, for example, for a daily newspaper to publish paid advertisements which con- stitute electoral campaign material, or advertisements in which the list explains its political platform, prior to the time at which the electoral campaigning period is scheduled to begin. ➲ The CEC will register any infraction of the above regulations with the Ministry of Information. Electoral campaign finance ➲ Electoral lists are forbidden by law from receiving funding for electoral campaigning from the Palestinian National Authority. ➲ Party organizations, candidates and electoral lists are forbidden from receiving funds for electoral campaigning from any foreign source, as outlined in the electoral laws. ➲ Each list participating in the elections must present a detailed financial report to the CEC within one month of the final announcement of the election results. The financial report must list all sources from which the list received funding and the amounts spent in the course of the electoral campaign period, as required by the electoral laws.

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook 31 Appendix 5: Code of Conduct for International Observers

International election observers are invited to observe all phases of the electoral process, including voter registration, candidate registration, election campaigning, polling and counting and post-election complaint procedures. The CEC accreditation procedures, which are laid out in the bylaws regarding the accreditation of international observers, offer interested international organizations and government missions an equal opportunity to apply for accreditation. The CEC Code of Conduct for international observers (hereinafter, the Code of Con- duct) highlights the internationally recognized standards of observation and defines the rights and duties of international observers. General provisions ➲ Right to observe the electoral process: The right to observe the electoral process is guaranteed in Palestinian electoral laws. This right may be exercised by any CEC-accredited body and its accredited observers. ➲ Adherence to the Code of Conduct: All accredited international observation bodies and observers must adhere to the provisions, principles and standards stated in the Code of Conduct. ➲ Immunities: International observers do not enjoy any special privileges or immunities unless otherwise established by the relevant authorities. Principles and standards of election observation Election observation is the systematic gathering of information on the electoral process in order to assess the conduct of the process on the basis of national legislation and international standards. Based on the information collected, election observation bodies issue reports on the electoral process. Electoral observation must be: ➲ Non-partisan and neutral: Observation must be exercised in a politically neutral and impartial manner. All activities must be undertaken without bias toward or affiliation with any Palestinian political party or electoral list regardless of the party’s participation in the electoral process. ➲ Comprehensive: Observers must consider all the factors that affect the electoral process. Any limitation to the scope of observation should be noted in statements and reports. ➲ Institutional: Accreditation to observe the electoral process is granted on an institutional basis. Individual observers do not have the right to issue statements concerning their personal observation findings, but an accredited observation body is entitled to issue reports and make statements regarding the progress of the electoral process through delegated spokespersons.

32 LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook ➲ Transparent: Observation bodies and observers should reveal all methods used in information gathering, including assumptions and methodologies upon which their observations and conclusions are based.

➲ Accurate: Observation bodies and observers should use accurate and reliable information throughout the observation process and always refer to the sources of such information.

➲ Respectful of Palestinian law and institutions: Observation bodies and their observers must recognize and abide by the laws of the Palestinian National Author- ity and the regulations and procedures of the CEC. Rights of observers International observers enjoy the right to:

➲ Observe all phases of the electoral process with unimpeded access to all registration, polling and counting centers and the data entry center.

➲ Obtain information from electoral authorities at all levels.

➲ Meet with any person or organization, including partisan entities, candidates, civil society organizations and other officials.

➲ Enjoy freedom of movement throughout the occupied Palestinian territories without restriction.

➲ Talk to voters or registrants inside registration, polling and counting centers, but not inside polling stations or registration rooms.

➲ Observe electoral procedures at a reasonable distance inside the registration and polling centers and stations. Duties of international observers Observers have the duty to:

➲ Wear the accreditation badge in a visible manner and present formal identifica- tion to the relevant authorities upon request.

➲ Refrain from engaging in partisan activities or activities beneficial to any partisan entities.

➲ Refrain from displaying, wearing or carrying any logos, colors or symbols identical or similar to those of any partisan entity.

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook 33 ➲ Refrain from exerting influence on registrants or voters.

➲ Undertake duties in an unobtrusive manner without interfering in the electoral process.

➲ Refrain from making personal or premature comments about electoral observation to the media or other interested parties.

➲ Issue public observation reports and statements concerning the progress of the electoral process. These must be institutional reports and statements relayed by the spokespersons authorized by the observation body.

➲ Inside registration, polling and counting centers and the data entry center, observers must:

➲ Abide by the instructions of CEC officials and relevant authorities.

➲ Refrain from recording any personal details relating to registrants or voters, such as their names or the names of the lists that they vote for. Final provisions The CEC may revoke the accreditation of any observation body or observer in the event that s/he is proven to have violated the provisions of the relevant laws, bylaws or this Code of Conduct.

34 LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook Appendix 6: 1. Cabinet Decision No. (08/137/17/C./R-H) of 2017

STATE OF PALESTINE THE CABINET Local Council Elections of 2017 Based on the powers invested in us by the law, and for the sake of public interest, and after reviewing: The amended Basic Law of 2003 and its further amendments; Local Council Elections Law No. 10 of 2005 and its further amendments; Local Authorities Law No. 1 of 1997 and its further amendments; Decree issued by a law No. 1 of 2007 on General Elections, The Cabinet, in its session held on 31 January 2017 in Ramallah has decided the following:

Article (1) To hold Local Council Elections on Saturday, 13 May 2017 according to the list of local authorities in which local elections for its councils are to be held in 2017- At- tached to this decision. Article (2) 1. To entrust the Central Elections Commission with undertaking all technical preparations and arrangements necessary to organize elections of Local Authorities Councils on the assigned date. 2. To entrust the Minister of Local Government to follow up the organization and conduct of Local Council elections in coordination with the Central Elections Com- mission on behalf of the Cabinet.

Article (3) All that goes against the provisions of this decision shall be cancelled.

Article (4)

All competent Authorities, each within its own jurisdiction, shall implement the provisions of this decision. The decision shall enter into force from the date of issue and shall be published in the official Gazette.

Issued in the city of Ramallah on 31/1/2017. Rami Hamdullah Prime Minister

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook 35 2. Cabinet Decision No. (02/141/17/C./R.H) of 2017

STATE OF PALESTINE THE CABINET Postponement of Elections in the Southern Governorates Based on the powers invested in us by law, and for the sake of public interest, and after reviewing: The amended Basic Law of 2003 and its further amendments; Local Council Elections Law No. 10 of 2005 and its further amendments; Local Authorities Law No. 1 of 1997 and its further amendments; Decree issued by a law No. 1 of 2007 on General Elections, The Cabinet’s decision No. (08/137/17/C./R.H) of 2017 The letter of the Chairman of the Central Elections Commission, dated 20/2/2017, indicating to the inability to conduct elections in the Southern Governorates. The Cabinet, in its session held on 28/2/2017 in Bethlehem has decided the following: Article (1) Postpone the holding of Local Elections in the Southern Governorates until the cir- cumstances are convenient, and to conduct elections in the Northern Governorates on Saturday, 13 May 2017. Article (2) All that goes against the provisions of this decision shall be cancelled. Article (3) All competent Authorities, each within its own jurisdiction, shall implement the provisions of this decision. The decision shall enter into force from the date of issue and shall be published in the official Gazette.

Issued in the city of Bethlehem on 28/2/2017 Rami Hamdullah Prime Minister

36 LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook Appendix 7: The Number of Council Members of Local Authorities with Christian Population Percentage President of the State of Pal- estine

Decree No. ( ) of 2017 on The Number of Council Members of Local Authorities with Christian Population Per- centage

President of the State of Palestine

Chairman of the PLO Executive Committee

After reviewing the amended Basic Law of 2003 and its further amendments, provisions of the Local Authorities Elections Law No. 10 of 2005 and its further amendments, in particular Article 71 thereof, Cabinet Decision, dated 14 March 2017 on the Councils of Local Authorities with Christian Population Percentage, and based on the powers invested in us and for the sake of public interest, we have decreed the following: Article (1)

The number of council members of the local authorities listed below in the local authorities elections shall be as follows:

No. Local Authority No. of seats desig- No. of seats designated for Christians nated for Muslims

1 Ramallah municipality 8 7

2 Bethlehem municipality 8 7

3 Beit Sahour municipality 10 3

4 Beit Jala municipality 10 3

5 Birzeit municipality 7 6

6 Al-Zababdah municipality 7 4

7 Aboud village council 5 4

8 Jifna village council 7 2

9 Ain Areek village council 5 4

10 Burqin municipal council 1 10

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook 37 Article (2)

The head of the local authorities indicated above shall be Christian, except for Burqin municipal council.

Article (3)

All that goes against the provisions of this decree shall be cancelled.

Article (4)

All competent authorities, each within its own jurisdiction, shall implement the provisions of this decree. The decree shall enter into force upon issue and shall be published in the official Gazette.

Issued in the City of Ramallah on 15/3/2017 Mahmoud Abbas President of the State of Palestine Chairman of the PLO Executive Committee

38 LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook Appendix 8: Summary of Local Authorities in which the 2017 Local Elections will be held

Locality No. of eligible No. of No. of District Municipal Village Total voters centers stations council council

Jerusalem 12 16 28 66,534 47 102

Jenin 15 49 64 143,733 102 219

Tulkarem 11 16 27 95,445 56 143

Tubas 3 8 11 27,805 21 44

Nablus 10 47 57 175,207 104 258

Qalqilya 5 20 25 52,250 43 85

Salft 9 9 18 40,264 25 57

Ramallah&Al-Bireh 19 47 66 147,448 106 223

Jericho 2 6 8 18,816 13 28

Bethlehem 11 24 35 93,317 71 145

Hebron 19 33 52 273,817 170 412

Total 116 275 391 1,134,636 758 1,716

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook 39 Appendix 9: Contact Information for CEC District Offices

District Telephone Fax Mobile Address

Jerusalem-Hebron St. Bethlehem 022752001 022749524 0599673009 Near al-Moqata’a

Ras al-Jorah area Hebron 022293229 022293922 0598999571 Theib Bader bldg

Sukayna Bint Al- Hussain St. Jenin 042437165 042437167 0599673001 Al-Sheeb Bldg, 3rd Floor Near Jenin Girls Secondary School

Kitf al-Wad Area Jericho 022325557 022325237 0592281880 Abo Jihad St. Khalid Basila Bldg.

Dahiyat al-Barid Jerusalem 022345811 022345813 0599673007 4 Anas Ibn Malik St.

Rafidia Main St. Nablus 092330115 092330117 0598943319 Haroosh Bldg, 3rd Floor.

Al-Mal’ab al-Baladi St. Qalqilia 092946539 092930184 0598923008 Taqi Haj Hasan Bldg, 4th Floor.

Ramallah Al-Balou’ 022424202 022424204 0599673752 and Al-Bireh Qasr al-Murjan Bldg,

Salfit 092515921 092517734 0599121171 Al-Asi Bldg, 3rd Floor.

Al-Ghor St. Tubas 092573004 092575494 0599673002 Samih Rashid Commercial Center, 1st Floor.

Shwaika Circle Tulkarem 092684328 092687767 0598999570 Al-Hafi Bldg. Near Tulkarem Magistrate’s Court

40 LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017 - Guidebook