The European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Suica, has positively assessed this Friday the decision made in July by the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmud Abbas, to call for legislative elections in Palestine next November. At the same time, she has urged that a "fair, credible, and inclusive" electoral process be ensured to consolidate and strengthen Palestinian institutions.
"The elections will be an important democratic moment. Ensuring a fair, credible, and inclusive electoral process is essential to strengthen Palestinian institutions," Suica indicated in a message published on social media after having a phone conversation with the Palestinian Vice President, Huseín al Sheij.
In this call, the Commissioner reiterated the "ongoing support" of the European Union for the Palestinian people and encouraged the Palestinian Authority to achieve "greater progress" in its reform agenda. She also addressed the need to continue advancing in the recovery of Gaza and mentioned the work that the European Union's Donors Group for Palestine will present at the UN General Assembly that will take place next week.
The legislative elections are scheduled for November 28 in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in the Gaza Strip, according to the decree approved in July by Mahmud Abbas. The Palestinian Central Electoral Commission continues with preparations for elections in which representatives will be elected to form the next Palestinian Legislative Council.