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Palestinian elections commission says Israeli practices obstruct local elections

Xinhua, August 19, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Palestinian Central Elections Commission (CEC) accuse Israel of obstructing the progress of local elections scheduled on Oct. 8.

The commission said in an emailed statement that it is concerned of the recent Israeli practices that hinder the progress of elections and condemned the arrest of the representative of the Islamic Hamas movement to the Commission, Hussein Abu Kwaik.

"The CEC condemns the Israeli forces' arrest of the representative of Hamas movement to the CEC, Mr. Husseim Abu Kwaik, and considers it a blatant interference in the progress of elections and a violation of freedoms and democratic practices," said the statement.

It also stressed the importance of providing freedom for the conduct of the upcoming local elections in a "democratic atmosphere that grants equal opportunities to all political parties, lists and candidates."

The last time Hamas participated in local bodies elections in Gaza Strip and West Bank was in 2004 and 2005.

The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) held local elections in October 2012, but Hamas did not participate, saying the internal division should be ended before holding elections. Endit