13 May 2026
Press Release
Al-Dameer Association for Human Rights Submits Its Monitoring Report on Deir al-Balah Municipality Elections to the Central Elections Commission in the Gaza Strip
Al-Dameer Association for Human Rights stated that on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, it submitted its election monitoring report concerning the local elections of Deir al-Balah Municipality, which were held on 25 April 2026, to the Director of the Central Elections Commission in the Gaza Strip. This step comes within the framework of Al-Dameer’s efforts aimed at promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability in the Palestinian democratic process.
The report was prepared following a field monitoring mission carried out by 20 male and female observers from the Association’s staff, who were deployed across a number of polling centers and stations affiliated with the electoral process in Deir al-Balah Municipality. The observers monitored the various stages of the electoral process, including the opening procedures of polling stations, the voting process, vote counting procedures, and the announcement of results.
In its report, Al-Dameer affirmed that the electoral process in Deir al-Balah Municipality was generally conducted in a relatively calm atmosphere, with an acceptable level of compliance with the fundamental procedures governing the electoral process, despite the low voter turnout. The report also documented a number of procedural and organizational observations in accordance with recognized monitoring standards, with the aim of contributing to the development of the electoral process and enhancing public confidence in it.
The report further included a number of recommendations directed to the Central Elections Commission, emphasizing the necessity of updating and publishing the voter registry within the legally prescribed timeframes, in order to guarantee citizens’ right to object and correct their data. It also stressed the importance of improving the readiness of polling centers in terms of space, lighting, and basic services to ensure a safe and suitable electoral environment. In addition, the report highlighted the need to adapt polling centers and stations to meet the needs of persons with disabilities and older persons, ensuring their easy access and full participation in the electoral process, as well as the development of specialized training programs for polling staff, particularly regarding the handling of special cases and ensuring respect for human rights standards.
Al-Dameer Association for Human Rights commended the cooperation demonstrated by the Central Elections Commission with local monitoring organizations throughout the electoral process, emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation between civil society organizations and official bodies in a manner that contributes to safeguarding the democratic process and strengthening community participation.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Central Elections Commission expressed its willingness to consider the recommendations contained in the report and to work towards improving the electoral environment in line with relevant national and international standards.
End