The 2026 Local Elections received international interest and praise, since many countries, regional and international organizations have considered it as a key milestone on the path of enhancing democracy and expanding political participation in Palestine, despite all existing political and humanitarian challenges.
A joint press release, issued by 28 countries, including the EU member states, welcomed and expressed their appreciation of the Palestinian Local Elections conducted on the 25th of last April, during such difficult times. It was regarded as an important opportunity for Palestinians to elect their representatives in their local councils, renewing their democratic legitimacy.
Countries participating in the press release have emphasized “the importance of conducting transparent and inclusive elections with integrity, being a key milestone towards expanding the scope of democracy and enhancing local governance, generally and in line with the ongoing reform process”.
The press release indicated the presence of a group of Diplomatic Missions and Representatives of participating countries in the field, in response to the invitation extended by the Palestinian CEC, with the aim of monitoring the flow of the electoral process, reflecting international interest in guaranteeing integrity and transparency.
On another note, Canada welcomed the organization of Palestinian local elections, and renewed its commitment in another press release “to strongly support democracy and electoral process in Palestine”, meanwhile pointing out its intention to continue its partnership with UNDP-Palestine to support Palestinian institutions; most importantly the CEC, encourage and promote civil participation.
The UN, on the other hand, through the words of the Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Ramiz Alakbarov, praised the CEC efforts to conduct a trusted electoral process, in light of the major challenges facing the West Bank and the extremely difficult conditions dominating Gaza. Dr. Alakbarov considered the elections as “An important opportunity for Palestinians to exercise their democratic rights during an extremely difficult period”.
In the same context, via the letter shared with the CEC, the Arab Organization of Electoral Management Bodies (ArabEMBs) praised the will and determination of the Palestinian people to exercise their democratic rights. Additionally, it praised the CEC’s adherence to the highest international standards for the management of electoral processes despite the exceptional challenges and the difficult circumstances imposed by the occupation.