The National Democratic Institute (NDI, or the Institute) announced today the start of a virtual election analysis mission ahead of the anticipated legislative council and presidential elections in the Palestinian Territories, respectively scheduled for May 22 and July 31, 2021. The analysis will focus on several key themes, including election administration, the campaign environment, the information environment, gender and inclusion and the impact of COVID-19. NDI will issue a report detailing its findings in late March 2021.

Leading the virtual election analysis team are: Leslie Campbell, NDI Middle East and North Africa Regional Director; Sarah Cooper, NDI Algeria Country Director; Arianit Shehu, NDI Jordan Country Director; and Toni Verstandig, NDI board member and former Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of State Bureau for Near Eastern Affairs and former Director of Middle East Programs at the Aspen Institute. The team will meet virtually with party representatives, candidates, government and election officials as well as representatives of civil society and members of the international community. 

NDI has maintained a presence in the Palestinian Territories since 1994, working with Palestinian political parties, civil society organizations and activists on a variety of issues to promote citizen participation, accountability and responsiveness in governance and political life. During that time, the Institute has implemented election-related programming for every Palestinian electoral event since 1994, including domestic, regional and international election observation missions, support to the Central Elections Commission, candidate training and political party development. 

NDI’s international virtual election analysis will be conducted in accordance with Palestinian law and the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation. This program is made possible with the support of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).