GAZA CITY (Ma’an) -- Jamil Al-Khalidi, an official with the Central Election Commission, says there are ongoing efforts to reopen voter registration in Gaza following Hamas' orders to stop work.

Al-Khalidi told Ma’an that several Palestinian factions along with Egypt were communicating with Hamas to reverse its decision. Still, no progress has been made thus far.

The official noted UN envoy Robert Serry's visit to the CEC headquarters in Gaza on Thursday, when he was updated on the preparations taken by the commission ahead of the closure.

Serry too called on Hamas to reconsider its decision.

The envoy said the decision was "very disappointing as both Palestinian reconciliation and the democratic renewal of institutions in the occupied Palestinian territory were long overdue."

He called on those responsible "to reverse the suspension and allow the CEC to resume this vital process without further delay."