Local elections in Palestine provide some Gazans with their first opportunity to cast ballots in years

Palestinians participated in local elections on Saturday that, for the first time in twenty years, included Gaza. These elections serve as an indicator of the political climate amidst Israel’s government’s efforts to undermine any prospects for a Palestinian state, reflecting the divided sentiments among Palestinians regarding governance and representation in light of ongoing conflicts.

The Palestinian Authority, based in the West Bank, has expressed its hope that the inclusion of the Gazan city of Deir al-Balah will strengthen its claim to authority over the territory from which it was removed by Hamas in 2007.

Some Gazans, facing challenges in fulfilling their basic needs in the ravaged enclave, embraced the chance to vote, viewing it as a vital opportunity to express their political voice and influence the future of their governance. “As a Palestinian and a son of the Gaza Strip, I feel proud that after this war the democratic process is returning,” expressed voter Mamdouh al-Bhaisi, 52, at the Deir al-Balah polling station.

By 1 p.m. (1000 GMT), turnout in Deir al-Balah was low at 13.8%, while in the West Bank, it stood at 25.3%, according to official figures. Voting in the West Bank will proceed until 7 p.m., whereas in Deir Al-Balah, it will conclude an hour earlier due to electricity limitations.

While casting his ballot at a polling station in the Al-Bireh area, near Ramallah, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stated that elections will eventually take place throughout the Gaza Strip.

Gaza forms an integral part of the state of Palestine. Consequently, we have exerted every effort to guarantee that elections occur in Deir al-Balah, reinforcing the unity of the two regions of the country,” he stated.

Israel has expanded its control over Gaza and the West Bank, which has raised concerns about the impact on Palestinian governance and the peace process in the region.

Following the U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza between Hamas and Israel that began in October, ongoing discussions facilitated by the United States have seen minimal advancement towards a resolution that includes international oversight of Gaza.

European and Arab governments widely endorse the eventual reinstatement of Palestinian Authority governance in Gaza, alongside the creation of an independent Palestinian state. The area would include Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank, where the Palestinian Authority has limited self-rule amidst Israeli occupation.

Western diplomats indicate that local elections may pave the way for the first national elections in almost twenty years and promote reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability, as stated by the PA, which could lead to a more unified Palestinian political landscape and strengthen the legitimacy of the Palestinian Authority among its constituents. “We hope that the procedure carried out today will culminate in legislative and presidential elections,” remarked Munif Treish, a candidate in the West Bank.

Saturday’s vote marks the first of its kind in Gaza since 2006 and represents the first Palestinian elections conducted since the onset of the Gaza war over two years ago, initiated by a cross-border Hamas assault on southern Israeli communities. Municipal elections in the West Bank took place four years ago.

DIFFICULTY IN MEETING WAGE OBLIGATIONS DUE TO ISRAEL’S FUND WITHHOLDING

The Palestinian Authority faces challenges in meeting wage obligations due to Israel’s withholding of tax revenues collected on its behalf, leading to concerns about potential economic collapse. Israel defends its decision to withhold funds as a protest against welfare payments made to prisoners and the families of individuals killed by its forces, arguing that these payments encourage further attacks.

The Israeli government has implemented measures to assist settlers in obtaining land in the West Bank, which has raised tensions with the Palestinian Authority and contributed to the ongoing conflict over land rights and sovereignty. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has consistently stated: “We will persist in eliminating the notion of a Palestinian state.”

In Deir al-Balah, which has experienced comparatively less destruction from Israel’s assault since 2023 than other cities in Gaza, banners displaying candidate lists are draped from buildings.

The Palestinian election committee pointed to extensive destruction as a reason why voting could not take place throughout the remainder of Gaza, where over half is under Israeli control, while the rest is governed by Hamas.

HAMAS BOYCOTTS THE VOTE, YET SOME CANDIDATES REMAIN ALIGNED

Several Palestinian factions are opting to boycott the elections in response to the PA’s demand that candidates endorse its agreements, which entail recognition of the state of Israel.

Hamas, having governed Gaza for almost twenty years, has yet to officially nominate any candidates; however, one list in the Deir al-Balah election is broadly perceived by both residents and analysts as being associated with it.

Experts suggest that the success of candidates associated with the militant group may indicate its level of popularity. Many candidates, including those in the West Bank, are participating under Fatah, the primary political movement associated with the PA, or as independents.

Hamas has stated that it would honor the outcomes. According to Palestinian sources, as reported by Reuters prior to the vote, civil policemen from the group will be assigned to ensure the security of polling stations in Gaza.

The Palestinian Central Elections Committee announced that over one million Palestinians, including 70,000 from Gaza, are eligible to participate in the voting process, with results anticipated late Saturday or on Sunday.