Gaza city: Palestinians in both the West Bank and Gaza Strip went to the polls on Saturday for local elections, a significant political step after a long period of war and political deadlock. In Gaza, this was the first election since 2006.
According to Thai News Agency, elections were held in hundreds of localities across the West Bank, with over 1.5 million eligible voters. This marked the first time elections had been held in the Gaza Strip since 2006. However, due to war damage, elections were only held in Deir al-Balah, a city in central Gaza that suffered less damage, was not affected by the Israeli army's ground invasion, and had fewer residents displaced.
Voter turnout in the West Bank was around 53.4 percent, similar to the previous election. In major cities like Ramallah and Nablus, there was virtually no actual voting, as only one candidate from the Fatah party won through a party-list system. In Deir al-Balah, Gaza, voter turnout was relatively low at around 22.7 percent in 12 polling stations, as most people remained focused on surviving the humanitarian crisis. Results are expected to be known today (April 26).
New regulations from President Mahmoud Abbas require candidates to accept the guidelines of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), including recognition of the existence of Israel. This prevented Hamas from officially fielding a candidate. Palestinian authorities hope the election in Deir al-Ballah will symbolize Gaza's continued existence as part of a future Palestinian state, even though in practice they have virtually no control over Gaza.
This election is being held amidst the expansion of Jewish settlements and the blockade of roads in the West Bank, with Israel's far-right politicians explicitly stating their desire to destroy the concept of a Palestinian state. While this election is seen as a renewed democratic process, many analysts and citizens view it as merely a symbolic act due to security constraints, boycotts from various political groups, and the fact that real power remains under Israeli control.