Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: For the purpose of electing the President and the Council members, the country territory shall be divided into sixteen electoral constituencies.
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 7 (1): http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/08
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries g . Other
Comments:
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 7 (1): http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/08
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
e . Electoral Management Body (EMB) f . A government department or agency
Comments: The Commission, in consultation with the Higher Council for Planning, shall put forth a bylaw that defines the boundaries of each electoral constituency.
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 7 (2): http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/08
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
c . Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The President shall be elected via secret balloting in general, free and direct elections. The winner shall be the person who acquired the absolute majority of correct electors’ votes. If none of the candidates acquires such majority the top two candidates shall run for another round of elections within fifteen days from the day the final results were published. The winner shall be the candidate who acquires the highest number of votes in this round.
Source: Palestinian Basic Law, art. 34: http://www.osservatorioiraq.it/sites/default/files/Palestinian%20Basic%20Law%20with%20Amendements%20-%20english.pdf (2013);
Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 3 (1): http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/08
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President.
Source: Palestinian Basic Law, art. 45, 64 (1): http://www.osservatorioiraq.it/sites/default/files/Palestinian%20Basic%20Law%20with%20Amendements%20-%20english.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/08
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Palestinian Basic Law, art. 34: http://www.osservatorioiraq.it/sites/default/files/Palestinian%20Basic%20Law%20with%20Amendements%20-%20english.pdf (2013);
Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 3: http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/08
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: The Palestinian Legislative Council is the elected legislative authority.
Source: Palestinian Basic Law, art. 47, 48: http://www.osservatorioiraq.it/sites/default/files/Palestinian%20Basic%20Law%20with%20Amendements%20-%20english.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/08
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments: The Council members shall be elected via secret balloting in general, free and direct elections according to closed list proportional representation system. Each electoral list that receives 1.5% or more of the valid votes shall be allocated a number of seats proportional to the total number of votes that it receives.
Source: Palestinian Basic Law, art. 48: http://www.osservatorioiraq.it/sites/default/files/Palestinian%20Basic%20Law%20with%20Amendements%20-%20english.pdf (2013);
Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 4 (1), 6: http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/08
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
b . Separate legislation
Comments:
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections: http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/08
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections
Comments: Legislative and presidential elections.
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections: http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/08
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source: Palestinian Basic Law, art. 26 (3): http://www.osservatorioiraq.it/sites/default/files/Palestinian%20Basic%20Law%20with%20Amendements%20-%20english.pdf (2013);
Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 28: http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/08
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . EMB c . Specially Appointed/Elected Electoral Tribunal
Comments: The Elections Commission shall adjudicate challenges related to the registrations of the voters and candidates. The Election Cases Court shall have the competence of hearing appeals filed for cancellation or amendment of
the decisions passed by the Commission, including election results.
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 13 (13), 24, 104: http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/08
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level
Comments: The Commission shall be formed by a presidential decree in order to administer and supervise the elections. The Commission shall be responsible for the preparation and organization of elections and shall take all required actions to ensure integrity and freedom thereof.
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 9 (1): http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/08
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: The Commission shall be allocated a budget as an independent financial center in the State’s budget.
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 12 (2): http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/08
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
a . The President c . The legislature
Comments: The Commission shall publish an administrative and financial report on the activities of the Commission three months after the announcement of the final election results. A copy shall be submitted to the President and the Council.
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 12 (3): http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/08
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: The duration of the term of office for members of the commission shall be four years from the date of the formation, unless the President decided to reform the Commission before the end of its term.
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 9 (2): http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/08
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: The Commission shall have the privilege of being a body with corporate personality and administrative and financial independence.
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 12 (1): http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/08
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The Elections Commission shall be composed of nine members.
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 9 (2): http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/08
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments: The Commission shall be composed of nine members to be selected from the Palestinian judiciary, academics and experienced lawyers and others. The chairperson or members chosen for the Commission shall be:
1. Palestinian.
2. Above 35 years of age.
3. Holds a bachelors degree, or at least the equivalent thereof.
4. Highly competent and experienced.
5. Honest and well reputed.
6. Not convicted in any election-related crime, or felony affecting honor or trust.
7. Not an employee or member of any charity, or NGO.
8. He/she shall not nominate his/herself in any of the general or local elections, or participate in
any election campaign for any candidate through out his/her term of office in the Commission.
9. He/she must not reveal any confidential information in relation to the elections.
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 9 (2), 10: http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/08
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State
Comments:
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 9 (1): http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/08
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body g . NGOs/ Civic Organizations
Comments:
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 13 (12): http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
b . Election time only
Comments:
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 13 (12): http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013);
NDI Pre-election Statement on the 2012 Local Elections: http://www.ndi.org/files/NDI%20Pre-election%20statement%20%28English%29.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body
Comments:
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 13 (12): http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013);
NDI Pre-election Statement on the 2012 Local Elections: http://www.ndi.org/files/NDI%20Pre-election%20statement%20%28English%29.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 27 (1-b): http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship e . Other
Comments: A person who fulfills the following requirements shall be deemed eligible to vote:
a. To be Palestinian.
b. To be at least 18 years of age on polling day.
c. To be enlisted in the final voters registry.
d. Not to be deprived of the right to vote.
A person shall be considered Palestinian:
a. If he/she was born in Palestine with borders defined in the British Mandate, or was entitled to acquire the Palestinian nationality under the applicable laws during that era;
b. If he/she was born in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank, including Holy Jerusalem (Alquds Alshareef);
c. If one of his/her ancestors falls under the application of paragraph above irrespective of where he/she was born;
d. If he/she is a spouse of a Palestinian as defined above.
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 27: http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The registration of electors is carried out by the elections Commission.
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 30 (2): http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 30: http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement) b . Deposit requirement (specify amount) e . Minimum number of candidates f . Other
Comments: The electoral list candidacy application shall be submitted to the Central Elections Office provided that the application is accompanied by a closed list that includes the candidates' names and confirmation of their acceptance of candidacy. The number of the electoral list candidates in the closed list shall not be less than sixteen candidates.
Each electoral list nominated for the Council’s membership shall deposit into the account of the Commission a nonrefundable guarantee of ten thousand USD or equivalent in the officially circulated currency.
The party registration application must also be accompanied by a list containing the signatures of at least three thousand voters who have the right to vote indicating their support thereof.
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 48, 49, 50: http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence f . Registration j . Other
Comments: The candidate for the Legislative Council membership must meet the following requirements:
1. To be Palestinian.
2. To be at least 28 years of age on polling day.
3. To be registered in the final voters registry.
4. Never convicted of a felony or misdemeanor which violates honor and honesty.
5. Be a permanent resident of the Palestinian territory.
6. To uphold the PLO as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people and the Declaration of Independence Document in addition to the provisions of the Basic Law.
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 45: http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
b . In presidential elections
Comments:
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 44: http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
c . Indirect
Comments: Only indirect public funding is available in the form of free broadcast time on state media and public sites designated for displaying electoral posters and banners.
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 63 (1), 65, 68: http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: Only indirect public funding is available in the form of free broadcast time on state media and public sites designated for displaying electoral posters and banners.
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 63 (1), 65, 68: http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 68: http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments:
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 89: http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
c . Automatically (triggered) recounted under certain conditions
Comments: When a discrepancy of numbers exists, the counting of votes shall be conducted a second time using the same procedures.
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 90 (4), 91: http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: The Commission shall, in coordination with the official Palestinian media, prepare a special program stating times and dates designated for free and unpaid advertising for all candidates and electoral lists in the elections. All candidates and electoral lists shall be given equal and appropriate opportunities.
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 65: http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
c . No
Comments:
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections: http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections: http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Any electoral list or candidate for the presidency is allowed to spend no more than one million USD or its equivalent of the circulated currency on the election campaign.
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 69: http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Palestinian Basic Law: http://www.osservatorioiraq.it/sites/default/files/Palestinian%20Basic%20Law%20with%20Amendements%20-%20english.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Palestinian Basic Law: http://www.osservatorioiraq.it/sites/default/files/Palestinian%20Basic%20Law%20with%20Amendements%20-%20english.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Palestinian Basic Law: http://www.osservatorioiraq.it/sites/default/files/Palestinian%20Basic%20Law%20with%20Amendements%20-%20english.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Palestinian Basic Law: http://www.osservatorioiraq.it/sites/default/files/Palestinian%20Basic%20Law%20with%20Amendements%20-%20english.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Palestinian Basic Law: http://www.osservatorioiraq.it/sites/default/files/Palestinian%20Basic%20Law%20with%20Amendements%20-%20english.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Palestinian Basic Law: http://www.osservatorioiraq.it/sites/default/files/Palestinian%20Basic%20Law%20with%20Amendements%20-%20english.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Palestinian Basic Law: http://www.osservatorioiraq.it/sites/default/files/Palestinian%20Basic%20Law%20with%20Amendements%20-%20english.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Palestinian Basic Law: http://www.osservatorioiraq.it/sites/default/files/Palestinian%20Basic%20Law%20with%20Amendements%20-%20english.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source: Palestinian Basic Law: http://www.osservatorioiraq.it/sites/default/files/Palestinian%20Basic%20Law%20with%20Amendements%20-%20english.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments:
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 28 (3): http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
a . Outside the country voting is not permitted
Comments:
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 30 (4): http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 30 (4): http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: g.) Putting a ballot in an envelope.
Source: Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 83 (3), 86: http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/04/09
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