UN envoy calls for East Jerusalem residents to be included in Palestinian vote

The new UN special coordinator for Middle East peace, Tor Wennesland, calls for East Jerusalem residents to be included in next month’s Palestinian elections.

In a statement, Wennesland says he’s “encouraged” by the conclusion of the candidate submissions to the Central Elections Commission, calling it “welcome progress.”

“The holding of credible and inclusive elections across the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in East Jerusalem, is a crucial step towards renewing the legitimacy of national institutions, reestablishing Palestinian national unity and charting a way back to meaningful negotiations to realize a two-State solution,” he says.

The EU has recently issued similar calls, but Israel hasn’t commented. Israel views East Jerusalem as part of its capital and bans any PA activity there.

Im encouraged by the completion of the nomination process 4 the upcoming #Palestine|ian Legislative Council elections. All must respect the electoral process & resolve any disputes in a peaceful manner through official legal mechanisms.
My full statement ????https://t.co/LdHpLe0ZMg pic.twitter.com/pL0udmTHJV

— Tor Wennesland (@TWennesland) April 1, 2021