Palestinians in West Bank and some in Gaza vote in local elections

On Saturday, Palestinians across the West Bank and parts of Gaza cast their votes in local elections, marking the first such poll in Gaza since 2006. The voting process spans the occupied West Bank and includes Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, where Hamas maintains its political presence.

Hamas was excluded from the ballot, and several other factions chose to boycott the election due to a rule requiring candidates to pledge allegiance to the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO). The PLO, which leads the Palestinian Authority (PA) governing areas of the West Bank not under Israeli control, holds significant influence over the election process.

Fatah, the faction associated with President Mahmoud Abbas and the PLO, was driven out of Gaza by Hamas following the previous elections. Despite this, one group of candidates in Deir al-Balah is perceived as aligning with Hamas, according to Reuters. The city was selected as the only Gaza region to hold elections because it sustained less damage during the Israel-Hamas conflict compared to other areas.

A temporary ceasefire, part of President Trump’s 20-point peace plan, has paused hostilities since October last year. Hamas continues to operate in sections of Gaza where Israeli forces have withdrawn, with its security forces managing polling areas. Over a million voters are registered in the Palestinian territories, including 70,000 in Deir al-Balah, where 12 polling stations will be active.

Voters must be at least 18 years old and have resided in an election zone for six months to qualify. Polling stations opened at 07:00 local time (04:00 GMT) and will close at 19:00 local time. The outcome is anticipated to be announced late Saturday or early Sunday.

Political Landscape and Controversies

With Fatah as the sole major contender on the ballot, the results in some districts are already predetermined due to the absence of opposition candidates. Elections for 90 municipal councils and 93 village councils are underway, but 42 municipal councils and 155 villages will see decisions made without a vote.

The election law was adjusted after various groups challenged its requirements, which mandate candidates to endorse the PLO as the sole representative of the Palestinian people. This includes accepting the PLO’s political agenda and international recognition decisions. While Fatah controls the PA, it asserts its legitimacy in Gaza, even though it does not exert actual authority there.

Hamas and other factions oppose the PLO’s acknowledgment of Israel, which has fueled ongoing political divisions. Local elections in the West Bank have not occurred since 2022, and Gaza’s last general election was over two decades ago. Hamas emerged as the dominant faction in the 2006 legislative elections, setting the stage for escalated tensions and later conflict with Fatah.

“The election is a symbol of our desire to live,” said Mohammed al-Hasayna after casting his ballot in Deir al-Balah. “We hope the world will assist us in overcoming the war’s devastation. Enough of war—it’s time to focus on rebuilding Gaza.”

“The occupation still dictates life in Tulkarem,” remarked businessman Mahmud Bader in the northern West Bank city. “These elections are just a facade for international media, giving the illusion of governance and independence.”