In the West Bank and Gaza, Palestinian residents participated in municipal elections on Saturday, with little excitement, to choose their mayors and city councilors. These were the first elections since the start of the war in Gaza, marked by disillusionment and limited political choices.
Most lists were associated with Fatah, the nationalist party of President Mahmoud Abbas, in power since 2005, or were independent. None were affiliated with Hamas, the Islamist rival of Fatah that controls much of the Gaza Strip.
Nearly 1.5 million people were registered to vote in the occupied West Bank and 70,000 in Deir el-Balah, a region in central Gaza under Hamas control. The Central Election Commission reported a voter turnout of 53.4% in the West Bank and 22.7% in Deir el-Balah.
One journalist noted significant female participation in Jericho, a city in the West Bank occupied by Israel. Residents expressed hopes for improved community services, especially regarding water supply and road maintenance.
In Gaza, where the population continues to suffer from shortages, the elections were seen as symbolic expressions of the desire to live despite ongoing challenges.
The conflict, triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023, has led to over 72,000 deaths. A ceasefire has been in place since October 2025 but is marred by daily violence.
In the West Bank, amid violence and tensions, some residents feel that the timing of the elections is not ideal given the situation in Gaza and ongoing attacks by settlers.
Local councils manage essential services like water, sanitation, and local infrastructure without legislative power. With no presidential or legislative elections since 2006, these municipal elections remain one of the few functional democratic institutions under the Palestinian Authority.
The absence of Hamas-affiliated lists raised concerns among candidates, with some unable to participate due to various constraints. Residents remain skeptical about the impact of new candidates amid continued occupation-related challenges.
In cities like Naplouse, where only one list is running, a woman is expected to be elected as mayor for the first time.
These elections mark the first in Gaza since Hamas took control in 2007, following the 2006 legislative elections won by the Islamist movement.
The Palestinian Authority views the elections in Deir el-Balah as an opportunity to gauge its influence, especially in the absence of recent polls, according to political science expert Jamal al-Fadi.
By AFP / JOHN WESSELS By AFP / JOHN WESSELS By AFP / JOHN WESSELS
