The Central Elections Commission (CEC) concluded the voting process for police and security apparatus, which began on January 21st according to the modified Article no.
73 of Elections Law no.
9 of 2005.
Police and security officials were permitted to vote over three consecutive days in order to assume their security roles on Election Day, January 25th 2006.
According to the Center's observers, the voting process occurred calmly, in accordance with the law and with CEC regulations, with the exception of small violations by the continuation of electoral campaigns; these violations however did not obstruct voters' freedom to elect by choice.
The observers reported high cooperation on behalf of CEC and swift responses to the Center's complaints.
Furthermore, Al Mezan reports during the three days of voting stated a considerable electoral participation by police and security officials, listed as follows: Rafah district: 4479 voters, which forms 95% of eligible electorate Khan Younis district: 6427 voters, 96% of eligible electorate Deir Al Balah district: 5806 voters, 93% of eligible electorate Gaza district: 10548 voters, 89.
7% of eligible electorate North Gaza district: 6237 voters, 92.
6% of eligible electorate Thus, the average percentage of voter participation over all Gaza districts is 92.
81% Al Mezan Center for Human Rights emphasizes that the voting process over the three days was conducted calmly and transparently, the few violations did not cause inconvenience to voters, and all the necessary procedures were taken accordingly.
Al Mezan Center strongly calls upon the CEC to push for a cessation of all forms of electoral campaigning on Election Day, and to consider Al Mezan's remarks in order for violations not to be repeated.
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