The Palestinian Central Elections Commission (CEC) urged Gaza's Hamas government to allow the its workers to act freely in the coastal enclave.

Hana Nasser, the CEC chairman said in a press statement that the Hamas government, which allowed the CEC office to re-open in Gaza, is still restricting the field work of the commission's employees and researchers.

Since the 2006 legislative elections, the CEC has not updated the population records of the coastal enclave. It closed its office in Gaza after Hamas seized control of the area in July 2007.

"We really need to update the population record for the sake of forming the new government," said Nasser.

Azzam el-Ahmed, the Fatah delegation chief to the dialogue with Hamas told Xinhua in an interview that the Islamic movement had asked for delaying the establishment of the government.

"Hamas asked President Abbas in Cairo last month to postpone the formation of the transitional government for two weeks," said el-Ahmed. "So far, Hamas has not given any word at the end of the two weeks."

He also accused Hamas for not allowing the Central Elections Commission (CEC) in Gaza to work properly. "It is impossible to form a government and prepare for elections when Hamas does not allow the CEC to work in Gaza."