Gaza Holds First Municipal Elections in Deir al-Balah Amid Stalled Ceasefire Talks

On 25 April 2026, the Palestinian Authority held municipal elections in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, where about 70,000 residents—under five percent of the enclave’s population—voted. This was the first local election in Gaza since Hamas seized power in 2006.

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The vote took place amid U.S.-mediated ceasefire negotiations that require Hamas disarmament, an international force, and Israeli withdrawal. The Palestinian Authority, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, has not held presidential elections in over two decades. The PLO barred Hamas from candidacy, demanding recognition of Israel and support for a two-state solution.

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Polling stations were erected in tents because most schools had been destroyed. Jamil al-Khalidi of the elections commission reported shortages of ballot boxes, prompting the use of locally printed papers and locally built boxes. Results were expected by the night of 25 April.

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Ashraf Shuaibi, head of the Central Elections Commission, called the vote a potential model for future national elections. Sarah Johnson of the Carter Center stressed that Gaza’s participation is essential for any credible path toward Palestinian self-determination and territorial unity. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem welcomed the elections as a positive step.

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Journalist Mahmoud Hreibat described the process as “a wedding with no groom,” implying a lack of substantive democratic progress. Activist Huda Al-Imam warned the vote could become “a mere formal procedure” detached from the daily realities of occupation.

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Voter Mamdouh al-Bhaisi said he felt proud to see democratic processes return, while Mohammed Salman expressed hope the elections would reaffirm Palestinian nationalism and preserve cultural identity.

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Sources differ on Hamas’s role: the PLO excluded Hamas from candidacy, yet Hamas police secured polling sites. Final results have not yet been published, leaving voter preferences unclear.

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• “Holding municipal elections in Deir al-Balah is a positive and important step,” — Hazem Qassem, Hamas spokesman

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• “It was heartwarming to see Gaza locally built ballot boxes and locally printed ballot papers provide first time elections in 21 years and a devastating war,” — Ashraf Shuaibi, Central Elections Commission head

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• “Our hope in these elections, God willing, is that they will reaffirm Palestinian nationalism, prevent the erasure of Palestinian identity, and solidify our connection to this land, our roots and our ancestors,” — Mohammed Salman, voter

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• “The elections risk becoming a mere formal procedure rather than a genuine democratic process that reflect people’s will and choice, or responds to the grave and urgent conditions that shape our tragic daily lives under the occupation’s crimes.” — Huda Al-Imam, activist

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The election’s outcome may shape U.S. ceasefire implementation and future Palestinian political reforms. Observers expect any clear mandate from Gaza to influence forthcoming presidential and legislative elections, which have not been held for two decades.

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