The leaders of 15 Palestinian factions concluded the second round of the Palestinian National dialogue in Cairo during which they pledged to guarantee transparent and fair legislative and presidential elections that reflect the aspirations of the Palestinian people.
They also asserted that the elections must include East Jerusalem, West Bank, and the Gaza Strip.
Egypt invited the different political factions for the second round along with the Palestinian National Authority and the Central Elections Commission, in a bid to put aside divisions and prepare for the first general and presidential elections in 15 years.
In their concluding statement, the factions thanked President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi for his support, including hosting and sponsoring the Palestinian national dialogue.
The participants discussed threats facing the Palestinian cause and the elections and reviewed the Central Elections Commission report on the preparations of the election to ensure the highest level of integrity and transparency.
The presidency of the National Council also presented a detailed report on its vision for the council and its organization.
The meeting discussed the mechanisms of the new National Council and the number of its members, within the framework of strengthening and activating the role of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.
The factions also signed a code of honor that affirms their keenness on pursuing the electoral process in all its phases while exercising transparency and integrity in a way that fulfills national unity and public interest, respect the results of the elections, cooperate with the electoral committee to organize free and fair elections, and respect the role of the Palestinian police in securing the electoral process.
Meanwhile, Arab Parliament Speaker Adel al-Assoumy praised the Egyptian efforts in supporting the Palestinian political dialogue to end the division between political factions.
Asoumy welcomed the meetings of the Palestinian factions hosted in Cairo in preparation for the upcoming elections in May.
He called on the Palestinian factions to build on the positive steps that have been achieved to reach a comprehensive national consensus that meets people's aspirations, strengthens their position before the international community, and supports efforts to restore their legitimate rights, notably ending the occupation and establishing an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
In January, President Mahmoud Abbas announced that the 2021 general elections will include the legislative elections on May 22, the presidential elections on July 31, and the elections of the Palestinian National Council on Aug. 31.
