RAMALLAH, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian Central Elections Commission on Saturday began the field registration phase for voters in West Bank cities, in line with the legal timetable for legislative elections scheduled for Nov. 28.
The registration phase will continue through Aug. 19 at 467 registration centers across local authorities and refugee camps, the commission said in a statement.
It urged Palestinians who have not yet registered to complete the process either online via its official website or in person at registration centers.
For Palestinians residing in Jerusalem, the commission said holders of Jerusalem ID cards are not required to register at this stage, adding that arrangements for their participation in voting and candidacy will be announced at a later date.
The commission reaffirmed the right of Gaza Strip residents to participate in the legislative elections, saying they are not required to register during the current phase. Arrangements for their participation will be announced later in accordance with the approved procedures.
During the registration period, voters can also request to transfer their polling stations by visiting the nearest registration center and presenting proof of residence.
Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons can register through their legal representatives or by proxy through relatives, the commission said.
During a visit to a voter registration center in Qalandia refugee camp north of Jerusalem, Farid Taamallah, spokesperson for the commission, urged unregistered citizens to complete registration promptly rather than wait until the final days.
More than 1.6 million voters are currently registered in the West Bank, representing about 86.5 percent of those eligible, Taamallah said, stressing the importance of participation by all segments of Palestinian society.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a presidential decree on July 9 setting Nov. 28 as the date for legislative elections, with presidential elections to be held in the first quarter of 2027.
The last Palestinian legislative elections were held in 2006. Subsequent elections were repeatedly postponed amid the political division between Fatah and Hamas. ■