On January 20, 1996, for the first time in history Palestinians in the West Bank, Jerusalem and in the Gaza Strip have the opportunity to vote for the Ra'ees (President) of the Palestinian National Authority and the Palestinian Council. Already, weeks before that historic date, according to the Declaration of Principles signed in Washington DC on September 13, 1993, and the Interim Agreement of September 28, 1995, populated areas within the West Bank will come under the rule of the Palestinian National Authority. This follows the establishment of the Authority in Gaza and Jericho in 1994. By the end of December 1995, the Israeli military forces finished their redeployment except in Hebron, which will be the last town to be evacuated by the Israeli forces in March. The Israeli forces will later withdraw from unpopulated areas, as specified in the Interim Agreement, within 18 months from the date of the inauguration of the Palestinian Council.
The Palestinian voters will elect an 88 member Council which will take over from the Palestinian National Authority and which will have powers and responsibilities within the Interim Agreement. The Council will have both legislative and executive powers. The President of the Palestinian National Authority, who will also be elected on January 20, 1996, will be an ex officio additional member of the Council.
The establishment of these structures will mark an essential step towards a permanent and peaceful settlement that will end decades of confrontation in the region. As stated in the agreements with the Government of the State of Israel, comprehensive Palestinian self-rule shall be reached not later than 1999 and lead to a "just, lasting and comprehensive peace settlement and historic reconciliation".
The following fact sheets compiled by the Press Office of the Central Election Commission (CEC) are designed to help journalists understand the details and the background of the first Palestinian elections.