Deir al Balah in central Gaza is set to hold municipal elections on Saturday, marking its first local vote in 22 years. The election comes amid ongoing devastation in the territory following the war that began in October 2023. Authorities say preparations are complete despite major logistical and security challenges.
The Central Elections Commission confirmed that voting will take place across 12 centres and 100 polling stations. Polls will open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time to allow broad voter participation. Officials selected Deir al Balah due to relatively less damage compared to other areas of Gaza.
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Four electoral lists are competing, with voters required to choose one list and then select up to five candidates. Authorities are urging strong turnout to ensure credibility of the results. Public awareness campaigns and mobile announcements have been used to encourage participation.
Security for the vote will be handled by Palestinian police stationed at polling centres. Most stations will be set up in tents due to a shortage of usable buildings. The UN Development Programme has supported the provision of temporary election facilities.
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The vote comes after years of political division between Hamas in Gaza and the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. Local elections in Gaza have been repeatedly delayed since 2007 due to internal disputes. Officials hope the process will help restore limited democratic activity at the local level.