Palestinian Citizens Cast Their Votes in Local Elections
Local elections are being conducted in Palestinian territories, marking the first time this has happened in Gaza since 2006. This significant event is happening not only throughout the West Bank, which is under occupation, but also in the central Gaza region of Deir al-Balah, which is under the control of Hamas.
Hamas and the Elections
Despite its controlling presence in the region, the political organization known as Hamas is not participating in these elections. Several other political groups have also opted out due to a stipulation that requires all candidates to acknowledge the authority of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO). The PLO holds significant sway over the Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs parts of the West Bank not currently under Israeli control.
The Fatah Faction
The dominant faction within the PLO is Fatah, led by President Mahmoud Abbas. This group was forcefully removed from Gaza following the previous elections. That election was won by Hamas, sparking a power struggle between the two groups.
Voter Turnout
Over a million voters across the Palestinian territories are qualified to participate in this election. This includes a notable 70,000 voters in Deir al-Balah, where a dozen polling stations were set up. The outcome of the election will likely be announced later this weekend.
Gaza and the Elections
While Hamas isn't officially participating in the election in Deir al-Balah, it's believed that some candidates may be associated with the group. Deir al-Balah was selected as the only location in Gaza for the elections, due to it suffering less damage compared to other regions during the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. A tentative ceasefire has been achieved as part of a peace plan, which ended the fighting last year.
Hamas and the People
The popularity of Hamas has taken a hit in Gaza due to the recent war, which many citizens attribute to the group's offensive against southern Israel. However, in the West Bank, the group's popularity has increased due to widespread dissatisfaction with the PA, which is controlled by Abbas and his Fatah party. The PA is often seen as corrupt and ineffective, being unable to better the economic situation of its people or put an end to Israel's long-standing military occupation.
Fatah’s Uncontested Run
With Fatah being the only major group participating in the elections across Palestinian territories, the lack of unity among the two principal Palestinian factions has been highlighted. Many areas are set to see a Fatah victory, as there are no opposition candidates running. This is largely due to the implementing of an election law that required candidates to pledge allegiance to the PLO and its political agenda.
Hamas and PLO
The PLO, primarily controlled by the PA, has officially claimed to be the rightful government of Gaza, despite not having any practical control over the region. This claim is opposed by Hamas and several other Palestinian factions, especially over the PLO's recognition of Israel.
Historical Context
Previous local elections in the West Bank were held back in 2022, while the last election of any type in Gaza took place two decades ago. Hamas emerged as the largest Palestinian faction in the 2006 legislative council election, leading to an increase in tensions and subsequent violent clashes with Fatah. Fatah was forcibly removed from Gaza by Hamas in the following year, creating a political divide between Gaza and the West Bank.
Global Attention
Earlier this week, a high-ranking United Nations official noted that these elections represent an important chance for Palestinians to exercise their democratic rights during these extraordinarily challenging times. After casting his vote in Deir al-Balah, one local resident expressed that the election symbolizes the people's "desire to live". He urged the international community to aid them in overcoming the ravages of war, emphasizing that it's time to work towards rebuilding Gaza.