Palestinians Successfully Hold Municipal Vote After 20 Years
Long-delayed municipal elections proceed without major incidents, with uneven turnout and logistical constraints.
Palestinians vote in municipal elections in Gaza and the West Bank after two decades without local polls. Photo: EFE
April 26, 2026 Hour: 6:39 am
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Turnout varied across locations as voting proceeded without major incidents
Thousands of Palestinians cast ballots on Saturday in municipal elections held in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, marking the first such process in two decades.
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Voting took place in the city of Deir al-Balah—described as “less affected” after two years of genocide—and across the West Bank. Polling stations operated until 17:00 in Gaza and 19:00 in the West Bank.
Authorities reported no security incidents during the day, despite concerns over possible actions by the Israeli army or settlers. Turnout, however, showed disparities. In Deir al-Balah, participation stood at 21.2 percent one hour before polls closed, while in the occupied West Bank it reached 40.6 percent.
According to the Palestinian Central Elections Commission, final turnout in Deir al-Balah reached 22.66 percent, with 15,962 voters out of 70,449 registered citizens. The process was monitored by observers, candidate representatives, and international media.
Logistical limitations affected the vote, largely due to the impact of two years of genocide on infrastructure. In Deir al-Balah, polling hours were shortened because of electricity shortages, requiring an earlier closure to allow vote counting using daylight.
The elections were held without official participation from Hamas, although some independent lists are believed to have links to the movement. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem described the process as “an important step” and called for extending elections across all of Gaza.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stressed the political significance of including Gaza, stating that it “is an inseparable part of the State of Palestine” and that the elections aim to “reaffirm the unity of the two parts of the country.”
Candidates also pointed to broader expectations. Munif Treish, running in the West Bank, said he hopes “that the process carried out today culminates in legislative and presidential elections,” while noting that conditions remain unfavorable, with violence continuing despite a ceasefire and further occupation of Palestinian territory.
The municipal vote could serve as a precursor to general elections in Palestine, which have not taken place in 20 years.
Author: MK
Source: Agencies
