Supporters of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas secured decisive victories in municipal elections held across the West Bank and Gaza Strip, election officials announced Sunday following Saturday’s voting.
The elections represented a historic moment as they included participation from Gaza for the first time in almost 20 years. Saturday’s balloting also marked the initial Palestinian elections of any type since the conflict with Israel began over two years ago following Hamas’ attack on southern Israel.
Officials from Abbas’ West Bank-based Palestinian Authority explained that incorporating the Gaza city of Deir al-Balah into the electoral process demonstrated Gaza’s integral role in any future Palestinian state. The city experienced less destruction compared to other areas of the coastal region during the ongoing conflict.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa acknowledged the challenging timing of the elections during Sunday’s results announcement. The voting occurred “at a highly sensitive moment amid complex challenges and exceptional circumstances,” Mustafa stated.
However, he characterized the elections as “an important first step in a broader national process aimed at strengthening democratic life … and ultimately achieving the unity of the homeland.”
Hamas, which took control of Gaza from the Palestinian Authority in 2007, chose not to officially field candidates in Gaza and boycotted West Bank races where Fatah’s success was anticipated.
Despite Hamas’ official absence, some candidates in Deir al-Balah were perceived by local residents and political observers as sympathetic to the organization, potentially serving as a gauge of Hamas support levels.
Initial vote counts revealed that the “Deir al-Balah Brings Us Together” slate, viewed as Hamas-aligned, captured only two of 15 available seats in Gaza. The “Nahdat Deir al-Balah” list, supported by Abbas’ Fatah party and the Western-backed Palestinian Authority, obtained six seats. Independent Gaza-based groups “Future of Deir al-Balah” and “Peace and Building” claimed the remaining positions.
Abbas supporters dominated West Bank contests, with many candidates running without opposition.
Fatah representative Abdul Fattah Dawla observed that participation levels matched those from the previous West Bank municipal elections in 2022, commending voters for engaging despite continued Israeli military actions.
“By electing figures linked to Fatah, voters appear to be seeking unrestricted international support for municipal governance and a gradual political shift that could extend beyond the local level,” explained Palestinian political analyst Reham Ouda.
The recent warfare has devastated much of Gaza, leaving numerous residents homeless and struggling for basic survival. Israeli military operations have persisted despite a ceasefire agreement reached in October.
Central Elections Commission Chairman Rami al-Hamdallah reported voter participation reached only 23% in Gaza compared to 56% in the West Bank.
Al-Hamdallah noted that Israeli security measures prevented some voting materials and equipment from entering Gaza, though these obstacles were eventually resolved.
Hamas Gaza representative Hazem Qassem minimized the election outcomes’ importance, stating they bore no influence on broader national political matters.
