Local elections begin in West Bank and Gaza’s Deir al-Balah

Local elections commenced in the occupied West Bank and the city of Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip on Saturday, according to the Palestinian Central Elections Commission. The commission stated that around 1.03 million voters are eligible to participate through 491 polling centers comprising 1,922 voting stations. The elections are being held across 183 municipalities, including 90 municipal councils with 3,773 candidates and 93 village councils with 1,358 candidates.

First vote in Deir al-Balah in 22 years

This marks the first time in 22 years that municipal elections are taking place in Deir al-Balah, which remains one of the least damaged cities in the enclave after Israel’s two-year war. Polls opened at 7:00 am (0400 GMT) and will close at 7:00 pm (1600GMT) in the West Bank and at 5:00 pm (1400GMT) in Deir al-Balah.

UN commends democratic process

UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov stated that the voting represents a significant opportunity for Palestinians to exercise their democratic rights “during an exceptionally challenging period.” He added: “The United Nations commends the Central Elections Commission for its sustained efforts to prepare for a credible process, given the significant challenges present in the West Bank and the extraordinarily difficult conditions prevailing in Gaza.”