Palestinian Authority Holds First Municipal Elections in Gaza in Over Two Decades Amid Low Turnout

On 25 April 2026 municipal elections took place in the West Bank and in Deir al-Balah, Gaza. About 1.5 million West Bank voters and 70 000 Gaza voters were registered; turnout was 40.6 % and 21.2 % respectively.

CNNGaza holds first municipal elections in 20 yrs, limited to Deir al-Balah

The PA has not held presidential or legislative elections since 2006; West Bank local polls were last in 2022. Gaza’s last vote was 2005. After the 2023-24 war and a fragile ceasefire, the PA framed the Gaza poll as a pilot to link the territories. A 2025 decree required PLO recognition, excluding Hamas.

The New ArabReuters

Voting opened at 7 am (04:00 GMT) in both territories. West Bank polls closed at 7 pm; Deir al-Balah polls closed at 5 pm to allow daylight counting.

Gaza holds first municipal elections in 20 yrs, limited to Deir al-Balah

PA President Mahmoud Abbas and Fatah dominate lists; Hamas controls Gaza but did not run. CEC chair Rami Hamdallah oversaw voting.

Registered voters: ~1.5 million West Bank, ~70 000 Gaza. Turnout: 40.6 % West Bank, 21.2 % Gaza. Four Gaza lists, 321 West Bank lists.

The vote is the PA’s only large-scale democratic outlet, influencing donor aid and testing Gaza’s political integration with the West Bank.

Abbas called the process a democratic achievement. CEC described it as a unity signal. EU noted the vote aligns with ongoing reform processes; UN coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov called it a credible step toward governance. Hamas spokesman praised it as positive.

Low turnout sparked criticism of timing amid war. Businessman Mahmud Bader said occupation, not councils, shapes life. Hamas and other factions boycotted over the PLO-recognition clause. In many West Bank municipalities only one list ran, guaranteeing victory, which critics said undermines competition.

Jericho teacher Manar Salman voted for water repairs; Dura Al-Qaraa’s Ziad Hassan decried imposed elections; voter Mohammed al-Hasayna called it symbolic. Resident Ali Rayan said elections must translate into clean water and electricity for daily life.

Turnout reports vary: 40.6 % (Times of Israel), 24.5 % (PBS), 15 % (Daily Sabah). Results were not yet published.

The New Arab

• “We are very pleased to exercise democracy in spite of the many challenges we face, both locally and internationally,” — Mahmoud Abbas, PA President

• “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

TRT World

• “Whether candidates are independent or partisan, it has no effect and will have no effect or benefit for the city,” — Mahmud Bader, businessman, Tulkarem

• “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, Deir al-Balah

Results due Sunday; the PA will assess the pilot and may expand voting in Gaza, while donors tie aid to reforms.