Full Breakdown
Palestinian Municipal Elections Test Authority Amid War and Division
4/25/2026, 8:16:11 PM
Election Day Across West Bank and Gaza
On 25 April 2026 polling stations opened in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and in Deir al-Balah, the only Gaza locality where voting was possible. The Ramallah-based Central Elections Commission (CEC) listed roughly 1.5 million eligible voters in the West Bank and 70 000 in Deir al-Balah. Voters chose members of 90 municipal councils and 93 village councils; 3 773 municipal candidates and 1 358 village candidates contested the races. Results were expected late on Saturday or early Sunday.
Background and Legal Framework
These elections are the first municipal polls in Gaza since the 2006 legislative vote and the first West Bank local elections since 2022. In November 2025 the PA amended the local election law, requiring all candidates to sign a pledge recognizing the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people and to accept its programme, which includes recognition of Israel. The change effectively bars Hamas and other factions that reject the pledge.
Data and Statistics
- Eligible voters: ? 1 500 000 (West Bank) + 70 000 (Gaza).
- Councils: 90 municipal, 93 village.
- Candidates: 3 773 municipal, 1 358 village; ? 88 % run as independents, ? 12 % under party lists.
- Women quota: >= 20 % of council seats reserved for women; women comprise roughly one-third of all candidates.
- Turnout: CEC reported 24.5 % of voters had cast ballots by 13:00 GMT; other monitors noted an early-day figure of 15 % rising to about 20 % in some West Bank districts.
Official Statements & Responses
The CEC’s spokesperson, Fareed Taamallah, said the vote “links the West Bank and Gaza politically as one system” and highlighted improvisation because ballot papers, boxes and ink could not be shipped into Gaza. UN coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov called the process “credible.” PA President Mahmoud Abbas, speaking after voting began in Al Bireh, declared that Palestinians were “very pleased to exercise democracy despite the many challenges we face, both locally and internationally.” Rami Hamdallah, chair of the CEC, emphasized the aim of “geographically linking the West Bank and Gaza” as part of broader reform commitments.
Criticism & Opposition
Mahmud Bader, a businessman from Tulkarem, argued that “whether candidates are independent or partisan, it has no effect… the (Israeli) occupation is the one that rules Tulkarem.” Zayne Abudaka of the Institute for Social and Economic Progress noted a “sense of futility” that drives many municipalities to accept acclamation without a vote. Fatima, a businesswoman in el-Bireh, said she would not vote because “the new decision-makers will be the same as the old ones.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Voter Mohammed al-Hasayna told AFP the election “served as a sign of people’s will to live” and added, “We want the world to help us overcome the catastrophe of war. Enough wars – it is time to work towards rebuilding Gaza.” In Deir al-Balah, Ashraf Abu Dan said he voted “because I have a right to elect members to municipal council so they can provide us with services.” Khalid Eid, casting his ballot in Al Bireh, expressed hope that council composition would bring “change.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Turnout figures differ: the CEC’s 24.5 % estimate contrasts with independent observers reporting 15 % early and 20 % in some areas. Sources disagree on Hamas involvement: Reuters noted Hamas police secured polling stations, while Hamas itself publicly boycotted the vote but allowed a list perceived as pro-Hamas to run. The CEC could not confirm direct coordination with either Israel or Hamas on material delivery, leaving the logistics of ballot supplies unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We want the world to help us overcome the catastrophe of war. Enough wars -- it is time to work towards rebuilding Gaza.” — Mohammed al-Hasayna, voter
- “The (Israeli) occupation is the one that rules Tulkarem. It would only be an image shown to the international media – as if we have elections, a state or independence.” — Mahmud Bader, businessman
- “We are an educated people with strong determination, and we deserve to have our own state,” — Farah Shaath, voter
- “Holding elections in the city of Deir al-Balah is an important step, and we hope that appropriate conditions will be provided to hold them in all governorates and municipalities of the Gaza Strip,” — Hazem Qassem, Hamas spokesman
- “I’ve been hearing about elections since I was born,” — Adham Al-Bardini, Gaza resident
What’s Next
Preliminary results are due Sunday; analysts expect Fatah-aligned lists to dominate most West Bank councils and an independent-dominated council in Deir al-Balah. The PA has pledged national elections within a year of a stable ceasefire, but the fragmented political landscape, the PLO pledge requirement, and ongoing Israeli settlement expansion pose significant obstacles to any broader electoral timetable.
