The Central Elections Commission (CEC) stresses on the importance of providing the necessary freedoms for the conduct of the upcoming Local Council Elections and a democratic atmosphere that grants equal opportunities to all political parties, lists and candidates to exercise their democratic rights in compliance with the international standards for free and fair elections.

In this context, the CEC observes with concern the recent practices of the Israeli occupation forces in suppressing freedoms and interfering by hindering the progress of elections in an attempt to influence elections outcome. The CEC condemns the Israeli forces arrest of the representative of Hamas Movement to the CEC, Mr. Hussein Abu Kwaik, and considers it a blatant interference in the progress of elections and a violation of freedoms and democratic practices.