Palestinians in Gaza and West Bank Vote in First Municipal Elections in Over Two Decades

Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank cast ballots on 25 April 2026 in the first local elections held in over 20 years.

The vote marks a significant moment amid ongoing conflict and political challenges in the region.

In Gaza's Deir el-Balah area, approximately 70,000 registered voters participated in municipal elections, conducted through a list system that mandates female representation.

Polling stations opened at 7am local time, with the vote described by officials as a "pilot" exercise.

The elections come amid ongoing Israeli military attacks and a tightly restricted political environment.

The Palestinian Authority (PA) aims to restore local governance despite the destruction in much of Gaza and political stagnation.

No official candidates from Hamas, which controls parts of Gaza, participated in the vote.

The West Bank also held its first local polls since the 2023 war, with nearly 1.5 million registered voters determining the makeup of local councils responsible for services such as water, roads, and electricity.

However, these elections are largely symbolic, as major policy decisions require Israeli approval.

Deir el-Balah was selected for the Gaza vote because it is one of the few areas not destroyed by Israeli forces.

The Central Elections Commission, based in Ramallah, had to improvise voter registration and was unable to send election materials into Gaza due to lack of coordination with Israel or Hamas.

The elections reflect the PA's efforts to project reform and legitimacy amid public frustration over corruption, political stagnation, and the absence of national elections since 2006.

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