Story perspectives

Gaza's First Municipal Vote Since 2006, 22% Turnout

4/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Deir al-Balah held a municipal vote on April 25 2026, Gaza’s first local election since 2006, with about 70,000 eligible voters turning out at 22.7 percent.
In the West Bank, roughly 1.5 million voters gave a 53.4 percent turnout; all lists were Fatah-aligned or independent, with no Hamas-affiliated list.
The Central Elections Commission called the process credible and said the new councils will manage water, roads and electricity despite material shortages and Israeli restrictions.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 the Gaza-Jericho Agreement created the PA under Yasser Arafat; the first presidential vote came in 1996 and municipal elections began in Dec 2004. The 2026 Deir al-Balah council vote, run by the Central Elections Commission, saw 22.7% of 70,000 voters turn out, echoing the limited participation that has characterized PA local elections under Israeli restrictions.

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Story summary

Deir al-Balah held a municipal vote on April 25 2026, Gaza’s first local election since 2006, with about 70,000 eligible voters turning out at 22.7 percent.
In the West Bank, roughly 1.5 million voters gave a 53.4 percent turnout; all lists were Fatah-aligned or independent, with no Hamas-affiliated list.
The Central Elections Commission called the process credible and said the new councils will manage water, roads and electricity despite material shortages and Israeli restrictions.

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