Annual Report - Palestinian Center for Human Rights

• The unit intervened with the Higher Committee for Local Elections to stop
violations of the rules of polling and counting of votes.
• The Field Work Unit cooperated with the unit in its efforts to monitor these
elections, as field workers in Rafah, Khan Yunis, Central Gaza and Northern Gaza
supervised observation teams in the eight communities where elections were held.
• The unit issued a preliminary evaluation of the electoral process. It its evaluation,
the unit concluded that elections were fair and transparent in spite of the many
reported violations. There was a strong debate over these elections, as the Fatah
movement challenged the impartiality of elections and the district election
commissions in Rafah, al-Boreij and Beit Lahia. This challenge was made one
day before the declaration of official results. PCHR called upon the Higher
Committee for Local Elections not to succumb to pressure that could impact its
credibility.
• The unit held two meetings to acknowledge the efforts of the observers; one in
Gaza on 17 May and the other in Rafah on 18 May.
• The unit issued a final report evaluating the second stage of elections of local
councils. The report was published in June.
5.2.3) Cooperation with International Observation Teams
• On 23 April, the unit director met with a delegation from the National Democratic
Institute (NDI), which monitored the elections. He briefed the delegations on the
local council elections and PCHR's role in monitoring these elections. Members
of the delegation were assisted by a number of PCHR observers.
• On 3 May, the unit met with a delegation from the NDI. Members of the
delegation were provided with PCHR's notes concerning the electoral process.
5.2.4) Developments Concerning Challenges against the Results of Elections
• In cooperation with the Legal Aid Unit and the Field Work Unit, the unit followed
up on developments following polling day, including challenges submitted against
the results of elections in Rafah, al-Boreij and Beit Lahia and related court rulings.
• These and other previous efforts served as a basis to establish PCHR's position,
which was expressed in a press release issued on 18 May. PCHR expressed
reservations at testimonies by officials of the Higher Committee for Local
Elections criticizing the performance of the Committee.
• The unit sent a letter to Palestinian President Mahmoud 'Abbas on 6 June,
outlining PCHR's position on developments following the second stage of
elections.
5.2.5) Preparations to Monitor Rerun of Elections in a Number of Polling
Stations in Rafah, al-Boreij and Beit Lahia
The unit selected 54 observers to monitor the rerun of elections in Rafah, Al-Boreij
and Beit Lahia, due to be held on 1 June, following a decision to re-hold elections in
these areas, and made all necessary preparations for monitoring. Concerned political
parties agreed to postpone these elections for one month. However, by the end of
2005, it still had not been possible to hold these elections.
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