The Chairman of the Central Elections Commission (CEC) and Commissioners, convened today, Sunday, a press conference to announce the preliminary results of the 2026 Local Elections, attended by H.E. the Prime Minister, members of the Palestinian government, representatives of local and international organizations and media outlets.
During the opening remarks of the press conference, held at the Media Center at CEC HQ in Al-Bireh, Dr. Rami Hamdallah, Chairman of the CEC, welcomed the audience, expressing his appreciation for the participation of local and international guests. In addition, Dr. Hamdallah valued the major role played by the CEC teams and partners over the course of the past months to ensure the success of this democratic due.
Moreover, Dr. Hamdallah pointed out that the electoral process was conducted under extremely complex and complicated circumstances, in light of exceptional conditions including bombardment and war, which are unprecedented globally for conducting elections. He further added that the CEC, despite all these conditions, managed in cooperation with its partners to accomplish the electoral process successfully, which was conducted in accordance with the law and the approved procedures, without any issues of worth to mention.
Additionally, Dr. Hamdallah indicated succeeding in holding elections in the city of Deir al-Balah, which is a major achievement itself. He also clarified that polling turnout rate in Deir al-Balah reached 23%, due to relying on the civil registry, which no longer reflects the current reality on the ground, especially in light of the martyrdom of a huge number of citizens, the displacement of many and lack of basic life necessities.
Furthermore, Dr. Hamdallah considered succeeding in holding elections concurrently in the West Bank and Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip conveys an important political message emphasizing the ability to achieve national unity and paving the road of conducting general elections, including elections of the National Council, Presidential and Legislative elections.
CEC Chairman called for conducting an assessment of the Local Elections Law with the participation of all relevant and competent bodies, in a manner that leads to the enhancement and development of the electoral process in the future. Meanwhile, he reminded the audience of the financial crisis the CEC suffers, which may affect its ability to meet its financial commitments.
Dr. Rami Hamdallah pointed out that after completing and entering 95% of counting protocols, the number of electors reached 522 thousand voters (F/M), representing a turnout rate of 56% in the West Bank. He also clarified that this rate is similar, to a great extent, to the polling turnout rates of the previous electoral cycles. Meanwhile, the percentage of valid papers reached 95%, invalid papers 4% and white papers 1%. Dr. Hamdallah added that total percentage of winning women reached 25%, and announced electoral lists and candidates win by acclamation in 197 local authorities.
Dr. Hamdallah further added that the results will be announced through the CEC website once ready, which will be preliminary and appealable in accordance with the approved legal procedures, given that final results will be handed over to the Ministry of Local Government after finalizing the appeals process, expected by the beginning of May.
On another note, H.E. Dr. Mohammad Mostafa, the Prime Minister said: “no doubt local elections are organized in an extremely important time, in light of complicated challenges and exceptional conditions. However, succeeding in conducting it in the West Bank and partially in the Gaza Strip constitutes an important first step on a more inclusive national path, which aims to consolidate democratic life, enhance the resilience of our national institutions, all the way to realizing all other national dues and the unity of our homeland”.
H.E. the Prime Minister expressed his thanks to the CEC, the various official bodies, security forces, local and international observers, the civil society and all partners for their efforts. In addition, he called upon winners of the local elections to provide all possible services to our people with honesty and national responsibility.
The CEC, on the other hand, expressed its thanks, gratitude and appreciation to voters for their participation in the elections and bearing such national responsibility. Additionally, the CEC valued the support from the government and the ministries of Local Government, Education and Higher Education, and Interior, as well as civil affairs, civil and military coordination, and the Palestinian Civil Police.
Moreover, the CEC expressed its gratitude and appreciation to local and international observers, political parties, candidates, the media, diplomatic missions and donors, including the EU, Canada, Australia, Germany, Netherland, Sweden and the UNDP.
In conclusion, the CEC extended special thanks and appreciation to its staff as well as the teams of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education for their great efforts ensuring the success of the electoral process.