West Bank and Gaza local elections seen as a step toward presidential vote
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Palestinian authorities hailed local elections held in a Gaza community and the West Bank as a successful step toward long-delayed presidential elections and eventual statehood.
- The Gaza vote in Deir al-Balah was the first in over 20 years, with a 23% turnout despite war devastation and displacement; Hamas did not participate or block the election.
- West Bank elections saw a 56% turnout, dominated by independents and Fatah candidates who accepted the Palestine Liberation Organization's program, sidelining Hamas and other factions.
- These local council elections, the first since electoral reforms, focused on municipal issues and are viewed by officials as a sign of national unity and a precursor to presidential and legislative polls.
- Despite these developments, the Palestinian Authority has not held presidential elections in 21 years amid declining support, and many Palestinians demand broader general elections for greater political representation.
