The Central Elections Commission (CEC) announced today; Saturday, launching the polling process for the 2026 Local elections in 183 local authorities across the governorates of the West Bank and in the city of Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip. Polling centers opened their doors exactly at 7:00 am, with polling turnout rate reaching 14.2% by 11 am. It is important to note that polling will continue until 7:00 pm in the West Bank and until 5:00 pm in Deir al-Balah.
Dr. Rami Hamdallah, Chairman of the CEC, mentioned during a press conference held at the Media Center at CEC HQ in Al-Bireh, launching the electoral process smoothly without any obstacles, clarifying that the number of eligible voters reached 1,029,550 voters (F/M), who will cast their ballots in (479) polling centers with (1,922) ballot boxes. He further pointed out that the number of polling staff working in these centers reached (10,677) (F/M).
Moreover, (321) electoral lists are competing for (90) municipal councils, comprised of (3773) candidates, 32% of which are women. In the (93) village councils, (1358) candidates were nominated, 23% of which are women.
Dr. Hamdallah further mentioned that in (197) municipal and village councils, where only one electoral list was nominated or a number of candidates equal to the number of village council seats, therefore, who will be announced winners by acclamation once the preliminary results are announced tomorrow. However, in the other (40) local authorities, no complete lists were nominated or the number of nominated candidates was less than the number of seats, the council members will be appointed by the Ministry of Local Government, meanwhile, the government decided postponing the elections in Beit Ummar for security reasons.
Dr. Hamdallah also pointed out the importance of holding elections in the city of Deir al-Balah despite the conditions post the genocide in the Gaza Strip, indicating the CEC’s success in creating 100 ballot boxes for Deir al-Balah using materials available in the Strip, after being prevented from transporting it from the West Bank. In addition, the CEC succeeded in printing ballot papers in Gaza, which reflects the CEC’s dedication to the success of the electoral process despite all challenges. At the same time, Dr. Hamdallah reiterated the CEC’s readiness to conduct local elections in the remaining local authorities of the Gaza Strip.
Moreover, Dr. Hamdallah indicated that the number of eligible voters in Deir al-Balah reached (70,449) female and male citizens, who will cast their ballots in (12) polling centers, most of which are tents erected by the CEC in light of schools being preoccupied as shelters for the displaced persons. Dr. Hamdallah further clarified that polling will conclude in Deir al-Balah at 5:00 pm, in order to complete counting process in day light, given the lack of electricity.
Dr. Hamdallah emphasized the CEC’s eagerness to ensure the success of the electoral process despite all the challenges it faces, starting with the limited time to prepare for the elections in light of the new law, the suffocating financial crisis Palestine is suffering, and the security ramifications after the war on the Gaza Strip and Iran. Additionally, the Israeli occupation practices and settler attacks.
In addition, Dr. Hamdallah invited citizens to participate in voting, emphasizing that all measures necessary for facilitating voters’ access to polling centers and stations have been undertaken to enable them to cast their ballots easily and quickly. He also invited all nominated electoral lists and political parties to adhere to the laws and regulating procedures, in a manner that guarantees conducting the electoral process with integrity and organization.
Additionally, Dr. Hamdallah indicated that the polling and counting processes will be executed with integrity and transparency in the presence of (2705) local and international observers as well as (860) accredited journalists, given the counting process beings immediately after closing ballot boxes. Finally, it is expected to announce the preliminary results of the 2026 Local Elections tomorrow, Sunday.