‘Solutions, not slogans’: Gaza holds first election in 21 years
Summary
Gaza’s Deir el-Balah is holding its first local election in 21 years to restore local government after years of conflict. About 70,000 residents will vote for a new council focused on providing basic services like water and electricity, rather than political parties running under official banners.Key Facts
- Deir el-Balah is holding municipal elections on April 25 for the first time since 2003.
- The city was chosen because it suffered less damage during recent conflicts than other parts of Gaza.
- The Palestinian Central Elections Commission (CEC) is organizing the vote, which is part of a larger plan also involving local councils in the West Bank.
- About 70,000 eligible voters over 18 can vote from 7am to 5pm local time at 12 polling centers.
- Candidates run on four closed lists, each with at least 15 people including at least four women, focusing on service delivery rather than political parties.
- Hamas and Fatah are not officially participating under their party names; candidates are grouped in tribal or professional alliances.
- Residents want elections to bring real improvements like clean water, electricity, and better sewage management, not just political slogans.
- The 15 candidates who get the most support, with a guaranteed number of women, will form the new council.
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