PWWSD Calls for Utilizing Local Elections as a Path towards Ending Division and Reaching Unity

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Ramallah, September 5, 2016 – Elections are an essential step towards strengthening democratic life in Palestinian society, and in renewing institutional legitimacy by electing representatives in a free and fair process with integrity and transparency.

In this context, the Palestinian Working Woman Society for Development (PWWSD) calls for utilizing the October 8 local elections as a path to ending Palestinian division and achieving national reconciliation and unity.

PWWSD considers these elections to be an essential first step towards holding other democratic elections in order to strengthen democracy.

The organization also asserts the need for continuous efforts by political parties and the public to end division and foster a community supportive of the feminist efforts organized by women’s CSOs in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. One such notable activity is the sit-in organized by the General Union of Palestinian Women in front of the legislative council in Gaza and the West Bank, along with the “Women Want” movement and several youth movements, in addition to “Patriots for Ending Division and Re-Establishing National Unity”, all aiming to end national division, which has a massive negative impact on the future of the Palestinian national project.

PWWSD also emphasizes the need to conduct local council elections under democratic conditions, allowing citizens to choose their representatives freely and fairly, without pressure or coercion. The organization calls for these elections to be fair and free of bias based on affiliation to family, party, political power, or position of influence.

PWWSD notes that local council elections are a key opportunity that needs to be utilized by all parties in pursuit of organized and unified Palestinian governance, reaching an agreement on a unified national government, which in turn will prepare for holding presidential and legislative elections, as well as PLO national council elections based on the national goals of our people.

The organization demands that all running parties include ending the division as part of their agendas, in addition to achieving national unity as a principle demand for all Palestinian people at home and in the diaspora. PWWSD also emphasizes that ending division and reaching unity constitutes a critical step towards a unified struggle against the occupation, aiming to establish an independent democratic Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

The organization expresses it full confidence in Palestinian women and their ability to join efforts against national division, and thus demands that they coordinate and get involved in the “Patriots for Ending Division” movement.

End of statement.