Palestinian officials hail local elections in a Gaza community and the West Bank
NPR • • world
Key Points:
- Palestinian authorities hailed local elections held in a Gaza community and the West Bank as a success and a step toward long-delayed presidential elections and eventual statehood.
- The election in Deir al-Balah, Gaza’s first in over 20 years, saw a low turnout of 23% due to displacement and outdated records, while West Bank turnout was 56%, similar to previous years.
- Hamas did not participate or block the Gaza vote, but candidates had to accept the Palestine Liberation Organization’s program, sidelining Hamas and other factions, with results dominated by independents and Fatah.
- The elections, focused on local councils managing basic services, were the first following reforms allowing voting for individuals rather than party slates, reflecting national unity amid political and territorial fragmentation.
- Despite the elections, the Palestinian Authority has not held presidential or legislative elections since 2006, and many Palestinians seek broader general elections as they continue to face challenges including Israeli opposition to statehood.
