Polls open in Gaza area in first municipal election in 20 years
Summary
Palestinians began voting in municipal elections in central Gaza and the West Bank, marking the first local vote in Gaza in 20 years. The vote covers local councils responsible for services like water and electricity but is seen as mostly symbolic since major decisions require Israeli approval.Key Facts
- The elections are held in Deir el-Balah, Gaza, and in the occupied West Bank.
- About 70,000 voters in Deir el-Balah and 1.5 million in the West Bank are eligible to vote.
- This is the first election in Gaza since 2004, following years of conflict and destruction.
- Most candidates are linked to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s Fatah party or run as independents; Hamas did not participate.
- The vote aims to connect Gaza and the West Bank politically as one system.
- The Central Elections Commission did not coordinate with Israel or Hamas directly for the Gaza vote.
- Gaza is partly controlled by Hamas, which took power in 2007 after winning the 2006 elections.
- U.N. officials see the elections as a chance for Palestinians to practice democracy despite challenges.
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