For the first time in two decades, residents of Gaza will participate in municipal elections this Saturday, with voting taking place in the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah. The elections will run concurrently with the West Bank’s fifth round of municipal voting since 2005.
Officials describe the synchronized elections as a demonstration of Palestinian solidarity and a representation of future statehood aspirations.
The last Gaza elections occurred in 2006, when Hamas won a majority. Following a short-lived conflict between Hamas and Fatah in 2007, Hamas gained authority over the Gaza Strip and began directly selecting local government officials.
According to the Central Elections Commission, 70,449 eligible voters can participate at 12 voting locations throughout Deir al-Balah. These sites include nine temporary tent structures and three community organization buildings, with eight voting booths available at each location.
Election officials have deployed approximately 675 personnel to manage the voting process. Additionally, 292 monitors from 10 local oversight organizations and 45 credentialed media representatives will observe the proceedings.
Jamil al-Khalidi, who serves as the commission’s Gaza regional director, explained to Asharq al-Awsat that voters will participate through a closed-list format. “Voters will select one list and cast votes for five candidates within it,” al-Khalidi stated. The election will establish a 15-member city council comprised of the top vote recipients, with a minimum of four positions designated for women candidates.
Four competing candidate lists are participating in the race, with one list reportedly containing several candidates who support Hamas positions. Election officials characterize all participating groups as independent and family-oriented, with competition primarily influenced by neighborhood ties and kinship connections.
All candidates had to sign an agreement supporting the Palestine Liberation Organization’s platform and acknowledging its authority as the official Palestinian representative. This requirement could create tension with Hamas ideology, since it suggests acceptance of policies that include Israeli recognition. The Palestinian Authority is implementing this pledge requirement as part of its support for a two-state resolution.
Initial election outcomes are anticipated Sunday morning.
