Loyalists of President Mahmoud Abbas won the majority of races in the recent Palestinian municipal elections, marking the first time in nearly two decades that a city in the Gaza Strip participated in a vote.
- Abbas loyalists dominated the West Bank and secured the most seats in Gaza’s Deir al-Balah.
- Voter turnout was significantly lower in Gaza (23%) compared to the West Bank (56%).
- The vote represents the first electoral exercise of any kind in Gaza since 2006.
Saturday’s ballot was the first Palestinian poll held since the Israel-Hamas war began following the Oct. 7, 2023, cross-border attack. The inclusion of Deir al-Balah, a city in the Gaza Strip that suffered less damage than other areas, was intended to demonstrate that Gaza remains an inseparable part of a future Palestinian state.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa described the vote as an “important first step” toward strengthening democratic life and achieving national unity, despite the “complex challenges and exceptional circumstances” surrounding the event.
Palestinian municipal elections outcomes
In the West Bank, Abbas loyalists swept the election, running unchallenged in numerous seats. Political analyst Reham Ouda suggested that voters may be seeking unrestricted international support for municipal governance and a gradual political shift.
In Gaza’s Deir al-Balah, preliminary results for the 15 contested seats showed the Nahdat Deir al-Balah list, backed by Fatah and the Palestinian Authority, winning six seats.
The list “Deir al-Balah Brings Us Together,” viewed by some analysts and residents as aligned with Hamas, won only two seats. The remaining seats were secured by two independent Gaza-based groups: Future of Deir al-Balah and Peace and Building.
Boycotts and political opposition
Hamas did not formally nominate candidates in Gaza and boycotted the race in the West Bank. Hazem Qassem, a Hamas spokesperson, stated that the election results have no impact on wider national issues.
The Palestinian National Initiative also boycotted the vote. Party leader Mustafa Barghouti claimed there was no real “democratic competition,” alleging that the Palestinian Authority required candidates to commit to a specific political program.
Logistical challenges and turnout
Voter turnout reached 56% in the West Bank but dropped to 23% in Gaza, where much of the territory has been reduced to rubble and many residents are displaced.
Election organizers reported significant logistical hurdles, noting that Israel denied the entry of essential materials, including voting boxes and ink. Organizers managed to find local solutions with assistance from certain UN agencies.
Despite the low turnout, some voters in Deir al-Balah expressed hope that the municipal elections would serve as a catalyst for further change and improvement in their living conditions.
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