Palestinians in the West Bank and a central part of Gaza Strip went to the polls on Saturday for municipal elections. This marks the first time people are voting since the Gaza war began.

However, the elections come at a time of deep public frustration. The political choices remain limited, and many voters doubt the impact of the process. According to the Central Elections Commission based in Ramallah, around 1.5 million people registered to vote in the West Bank. In Gaza, about 70,000 voters are eligible in the Deir el-Balah area.

Limited Political Competition

Most candidates are either linked to Fatah, the party led by President Mahmud Abbas, or are running as independents. Notably, no candidates are affiliated with Hamas, which controls a large part of Gaza. This absence has narrowed the political field significantly.

In several cities, Fatah-backed candidates are competing mainly against independent groups. Some of these independents belong to smaller factions such as the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.

Voters Show Little Hope for Change

Despite the elections, many residents remain sceptical. For example, Mahmud Bader, a businessman from Tulkarem, said he would still vote but does not expect real change. “Whether candidates are independent or partisan, it has no effect and will have no effect or benefit for the city,” he said. “The (Israeli) occupation is the one that rules Tulkarem. It would only be an image shown to the international media – as if we have elections, a state or independence.” Tulkarem has faced heavy military presence for over a year, especially around its refugee camps.

Many Seats Decided Without Voting

In several major cities, including Nablus and Ramallah, only one candidate list has been submitted. As a result, those candidates win automatically without a vote. Polling stations in the West Bank will remain open from morning to evening. However, in Deir el-Balah, voting will end earlier due to electricity shortages in the war-affected region.

International Support and Challenges

UN official Ramiz Alakbarov praised the efforts to organise the elections. “Saturday’s elections represent an important opportunity for Palestinians to exercise their democratic rights during an exceptionally challenging period”, he said. Still, holding elections in Gaza remains difficult due to ongoing conflict and infrastructure damage.

Gaza Vote Seen as Test Case

The vote in Gaza is limited to Deir el-Balah. Analysts say this serves as a test for the Palestinian Authority. Political expert Jamal al-Fadi explained that the area was chosen because many residents have stayed there despite the war, unlike other parts of Gaza where displacement is widespread. Meanwhile, President Abbas, now 90, has ruled for over two decades without fresh national elections, despite repeated promises.

Symbol of Resilience for Some Voters

For some young voters, the election carries emotional value. Farah Shaath, 25, said she feels proud to vote for the first time. “Although it is unlike any election in the world, it is a confirmation of our continued existence in the Gaza Strip despite everything,” she said.

Security Arrangements in Gaza

Election officials said they recruited staff from civil groups and hired private security to protect polling centres in Gaza. However, sources indicated that Hamas-linked police insisted on overseeing security. According to reports, unarmed personnel in civilian clothes have been deployed around the 12 polling stations in Deir el-Balah.