At the beginning, the speaker presented a historical development about the Bar
Association and the formation of the first appointed council in 9 July 1997. He further
clarified the new Bar elections which were held in 11 July 2003 by highlighting how
the election process was one of the first initiatives in order to activate the democratic
process in Palestine (82% of lawyers participated and voted). The elections showed
that the elections bylaws need some amendments and arrangements that should be
considered as a guideline for any upcoming elections in Palestine. Finally he briefly
explained the steps taken by the council after the elections, for instance the formation
of committees as well as arranging with several departments for the facilitation of
lawyers’ work, such as the Department of Land Registration and the courts.