Al Mezan, in Collaboration with the Central Elections Commission, Opens a Training Course for Members of Civil Society Institutions in Middle Gaza

In the context of Al Mezan’s ongoing efforts to promote democratic values and human rights culture, on Tuesday, 11 April 2016, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights (Al Mezan), in collaboration with the Central Elections Commission, opened a training course entitled “Elections: Gateway to Renew Legality and Legitimacy of the Political System”. Participants included 25 social activists representing 12 civil society institutions based in the Middle Gaza district. This training is a part of Al Mezan partnership project with civil society institutions, funded by the European Union.

The three-day training course will discuss elections and their importance, values, standards and safeguards that must be met in order to achieve free and fair elections. In addition, the course will discuss the impact of elections on establishing a democratic system, which respects political pluralism and human rights.

The training was opened by Mr. Bassem Abu Jrai, representative of Al Mezan in Deir Al Balah, Mr. Yamen Al Madhoun, coordinator of the project on elections at Al Mezan, and Mr. Mohammed Abu Nada, coordinator of Deir Al Balah constituency.

Mr. Abu Jrai welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of this training, since it will address useful and necessary concepts that will help in building a brighter future for our society.  Afterwards, Mr. Abu Jrai gave an overview of the training program.

During his session, Mr. Al Madhoun stressed the importance of elections as a basic human right. He stated that elections renew political life and achieve the principle of political participation. Mr. Al Madhoun explained that periodic elections provide a mechanism for the electorate to hold politicians accountable, and evaluate the extent to which they have fulfilled their campaign promises. He added that Al Mezan, through these efforts, aims to promote democracy and protect human rights principals in the society.

Mr. Abu Nada stressed the importance of partnership with Al Mezan as one of the community-based electoral observer. He also emphasized the importance of this workshop in raising social awareness of elections.

Through this campaign, Al Mezan seeks to raise awareness about elections as a fundamental part of human rights and a safeguard for many other rights. Al Mezan is also promoting respect and realization of bases that underpin any free and fair election process, such as: the principle of periodic elections, liberties, and respect of human rights. Therefore, Al Mezan is employing its own experience and competence to reach out to youth, members of civil society, and marginalized groups through capacity building and awareness raising activities.

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