People in the West Bank and Gaza voted on Saturday in municipal elections to choose their mayors and city councilors, the first elections since the beginning of the war in Gaza. Most candidates were aligned with Fatah, the nationalist party of President Mahmoud Abbas, or ran independently. None of the lists were associated with Hamas, the Islamist rival of Fatah that controls most of the Gaza Strip.
Close to 1.5 million people were registered to vote in the occupied West Bank, along with 70,000 in the Deir el-Balah area of Gaza under Hamas control. The election commission reported a turnout of 53.4% in the West Bank and 22.7% in Deir el-Balah.
One journalist noted a significant participation of women in Jericho, a city in the West Bank occupied by Israel. Despite challenges, voters expressed hope for candidates capable of improving their communities.
In Gaza, where the population suffers from various shortages, the elections were seen as symbolic expressions of the community’s desire to live. Sadly, the conflict stemming from Hamas’ attack on Israel in 2023 has claimed over 72,000 lives with ongoing violence despite a ceasefire since 2025.
“Need for New Faces”
In the midst of violence fueled by Israeli settlers, candidates like Ziad Hassan expressed concern about the timing of the elections. Citizens, including Abed Jabaieh, emphasized the importance of new leaders in defending their rights against settlers.
Municipal councils play essential roles in local services without legislative powers. Functioning as one of the few democratic institutions in the Palestinian Authority, they have become vital in the absence of presidential and legislative elections since 2006.
No Hamas Lists
Aspirants like Mohammad Dweikat faced obstacles, with some of his list members detained until after the registration period. Amidst skepticism about candidates’ impact, voters, like Mahmoud Bader, felt Israeli occupation overshadowed local governance decisions. The lack of Hamas involvement raised questions about the diversity of political voices in the elections.
In places like Naplouse, where only one list contested, a woman could potentially be elected as mayor for the first time. The election in Gaza, controlled by Hamas, is particularly significant due to the lack of recent polling data, highlighting the power struggle between different factions within Palestinian territories.
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