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Palestinians Vote in First Gaza Election in 20 Years
Officials said 70,000 voters will choose among four lists in a rare test of Hamas support and local governance amid war damage.
- On Saturday, April 25, 2026, residents in Deir al-Balah cast ballots in municipal elections, marking Gaza's first local vote in 20 years. The Central Elections Commission oversaw the process at 12 polling centres for approximately 70,000 eligible voters.
- The Palestinian Authority selected Deir al-Balah for this pilot vote because the city sustained less infrastructural damage than other areas, aiming to restore local governance and link the West Bank and Gaza as one political system.
- CEC regional director Jamil al-Khalidi noted organizers adopted exceptional measures, including relying on civil registry data instead of traditional voter lists due to displacement and loss of records. The system uses closed electoral lists requiring at least 15 candidates, with a minimum quota of four women.
- Candidate Faten Harb emphasized improving water and sanitation services, while skeptical residents view the vote as disconnected from daily survival. Analysts see the vote as a symbolic step toward restoring local legitimacy amid broader political fragmentation.
- Success in Deir al-Balah could pave the way for similar elections elsewhere in Gaza, potentially bolstering the PA's claim to govern the territory. However, experts emphasize that limited local voting cannot substitute for a comprehensive national political settlement.
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Palestinians in West Bank, One Gaza City Vote in First Local Election Since Gaza War
Hamas Supervised the Symbolic PA-run Vote in Central Gaza's Deir al-Balah, Aiming to Signal It Does Not Oppose a PA Presence in Gaza. The Absence of Hamas and Islamic Jihad From the Local Elections Was Notable Due in Part to the PLO's Conditions, Which Include Recognition of Israel
·Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
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Channel News AsiaReposted by 
Times of Malta
Times of MaltaPalestinians cast ballots in first elections since Gaza war
Nearly 1.5 million people are registered to vote in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, as well as 70,000 people in Gaza's Deir el-Balah area, according to the Ramallah-based Central Elections Commission.
·Singapore
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The Palestinian leaders want to show the international community through these local elections that the West Bank and Gaza belong together.
·Netherlands (Kingdom of the)
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources113
Leaning Left23Leaning Right24Center32Last UpdatedBias Distribution41% Center
Bias Distribution
- 41% of the sources are Center
41% Center
L 29%
C 41%
R 30%
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