Press Releases / General Releases:

Elections’ Civil Monitoring Commission

Statement to the public
For immediate release

Jerusalem: 28/12/2004

The election campaigns for PNA’s Presidential race continue with full participation and interaction of different public sectors; there are seven candidates competing for the PNA’s Presidency. Indicators show that there will be a large-scale engagement by Palestinians to exercise their basic right to vote in a democratic election. The spirit of this interaction has been demonstrated by both the public and the candidates, according to the Election’s Central Commission’s rules and regulations.

On another front, the Israeli occupation authorities claim non-interference policy with the Palestinian election process. However, events on the ground totally contradict the Israeli claim and their practices are hindering the Presidential election process. The Israeli roadblocks between cities and communities have the least delayed if not prevented the people’s movement. The incursions and storming of the Palestinian cities and communities continue almost on daily basis, in addition, to the killings and arrests of Palestinians and other similar practices.

The alleged Israeli claim of facilitating conditions for a smooth Palestinian Presidential election is unfounded. The movement of the international observers has been obstructed while local organizers, political activists and candidates continue to suffer from Israeli imposed movement restrictions between Palestinian villages, towns, cities and districts. The situation in occupied Jerusalem is even worse. This is a clear violation of and interference in the Palestinian election process.

We appeal to the international community, organizations and governments to pressure the Israeli occupation authorities into ceasing their interference in the election process and allow the Palestinian people to exercise their right to vote in a democratic election. We also appeal to the Israeli-Palestinian committee to assist the Palestinian election process by facing such violations and interferences.


Elections’ Civil Monitoring Commission