On Sunday, 30th October 2005 Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, in cooperation with the Coalition for Accountability and Integrity (AMAN), conducted a workshop under the title of "Which Parties Law Are We in Search Of?” The workshop served to debate the draft Parties Law submitted to the first session of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC).
A number of political, legal, and party representatives participated in the workshop, although Dr.
Azmi Al Shoaby, PLC member and General Coordinator of AMAN and Mr.
Ammar Al Dweek, Executive Director of the Central Elections Committee, who were denied entrance to Gaza due to Israeli procedures.
Mr.
Issam Younis, Director of Al Mezan Center for Human Rights opened the meeting, explaining the significance of establishing a suitable Palestinian political regime.
He emphasized the need for protection of rights through clear and official bills implemented and monitored by the government and reinforced within a supportive environment created by all groups.
The collaboration of different players contributes to the creation of and motivation for such an environment.
PLC member Dr.
Kamal Al Shrafi examined the key articles in the draft law, and emphasized that the submitting of such a draft law has a reformative perspective towards establishing a constitutional regime.
The draft poses several doubts on the prospect of national political liberation and the status of faction and party structures, in addition to the external relations of these parties outside Palestine.
Mr.
Mohammad Abu Amira, Coordinator of the Central Elections Committee in north Gaza, presented a worksheet on the legal framework of political party registration in Palestine.
He tackled the main obstacles faced by the Central Elections Committee during the period since the last presidential elections, and stressed the need for passing relevant laws and reorganizing the registration process in order to standardize all dealings conducted; furthermore, identifying ways of monitoring the electoral campaigns and the work of the committee is also crucial to ensure high capacity, particularly in light of the upcoming legislative elections.
The participants agreed to establish the necessary rules and principles which will administer Palestinian constitutional life, and abide by national confidentiality.
The timetable for establishing such rules, however, remains yet to be decided.
END.