Local Polls Open in West Bank, Gaza’s Deir al-Balah

(MENAFN) Local elections kicked off on Saturday across the occupied West Bank and in the city of Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip, as announced by the Palestinian Central Elections Commission, according to reports.

In an official statement, the commission indicated that roughly 1.03 million people are eligible to cast their ballots. Voting is being conducted across 491 polling locations, which together host 1,922 individual voting stations, as stated by reports.

These elections are particularly notable in Deir al-Balah, marking the first municipal vote there in more than two decades. The city is considered among the least heavily affected areas in the enclave during Israel–Hamas war, according to reports.

By early afternoon, turnout had reached 24.53%, with officials noting that the voting process has been proceeding in an orderly and stable manner at all locations, as stated by reports.

Meanwhile, Gaza’s government media office reported that more than 500 staff members are involved in overseeing and organizing the elections in Deir al-Balah, describing them as an “important milestone to strengthen the democratic process and develop local governance.”

Polling began at 7 a.m. local time. Voting is scheduled to conclude at 7 p.m. in the West Bank, while polling stations in Deir al-Balah will close earlier, at 5 p.m., according to reports.

Overall, the elections span 183 local bodies. Among them are 90 municipal councils, with 3,773 candidates in contention, as well as 93 village councils where 1,358 candidates are competing for positions.

MENAFN26042026000045017640ID1111032340