24 Apr 2021; MEMO: The United Nations (UN) has reiterated the importance of all Palestinians in all occupied Palestinian territories participating in the elections, Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, told journalists on Thursday.
"It is very important that Palestinians, in all parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, are able to participate in this very important democratic process," he asserted, replying to a question about participation of Jerusalemites in the elections.
Dujarric reiterated: "These are elections organised by the Palestinian Authority through its central electoral commission. We've been in touch with the commission. It is very important that everyone who is entitled to participate, every Palestinian in the occupied Palestinian territory, is able to cast his or her vote."
In his monthly briefing to the UN Security Council, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland reiterated the need for holding: "Credible Palestinian elections is a crucial step towards renewing the legitimacy of national institutions and re-establishing Palestinian national unity."
He also noted that the UN has engaged regularly with the Palestinian parties and the Central Elections Commission to facilitate preparations for the elections and will continue its support for the election process.
Following the briefing, a number of European Union countries announced their readiness to support: "Free, just and comprehensive elections in all occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem."
