Deir al-Balah, Palestinian territories. Candidates aligned with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas won most races in Palestinian municipal elections, officials said on Sunday, in a vote that included a Gaza Strip city for the first time in nearly two decades.
First Gaza elections since 2006
The ballot, held on Saturday, marked the first elections of any kind in Gaza since 2006 and the first Palestinian vote since the war in Gaza began more than two years ago following Hamas’ cross-border attack on southern Israel.
The Palestinian Authority said the inclusion of the city of Deir al-Balah, which sustained less damage during the conflict than other parts of Gaza, was intended to demonstrate that the enclave remains part of a future Palestinian state.
Government comments on timing and aims
Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa said the elections were held “at a highly sensitive moment amid complex challenges and exceptional circumstances”, but described them as “an important first step in a broader national process aimed at strengthening democratic life and ultimately achieving the unity of the homeland”.
Hamas stance and Deir al-Balah results
Hamas did not formally field candidates in Gaza and boycotted the vote in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where Abbas’ Fatah movement was widely expected to dominate. However, some candidates in Deir al-Balah were seen as aligned with Hamas, making the outcome a potential indicator of support for the group.
Preliminary results showed that a list associated with such candidates secured two of the 15 seats in Deir al-Balah. A list backed by Fatah won six seats, while the remaining positions were taken by two other local groups not affiliated with either faction.
West Bank outcomes and turnout
In the West Bank, candidates aligned with Abbas won overwhelmingly, in many cases running unopposed.
Turnout remained low, particularly in Gaza where it reached 23 per cent, compared with 56 per cent in the West Bank, according to Central Elections Commission chairman Rami al-Hamdallah.
Logistical issues and analyst view
Al-Hamdallah said logistical difficulties affected the process, with some ballot boxes and equipment delayed due to Israeli security restrictions, although voting ultimately proceeded.
Analysts said the results suggested voters may be favouring candidates linked to Fatah in the hope of securing broader international support for local governance.
What do you think the low turnout in Gaza indicates about public engagement in local governance?