On November 19, 2025, Decree Law No. (23) Concerning the Elections of Local Authority Councils, was issued, which cancelled Law No. (10) of 2005, Concerning the Election of Local Authorities. It also included switching the Electoral System to proportional representation (open lists) at municipalities, and simple majority (individual candidacy) at village councils (Article 14).

In addition, the Decree Law included lowering the age of candidacy for local elections to 23 years, increasing the share of women (quota), providing women with at least two seats in the local councils with 9 seats, 3 women in municipalities with 11 seats, and 4 women in municipalities with 13 or 15 seats.

Moreover, the Decree Law reemphasized mandating the Central Elections Commission (CEC) with managing and overseeing the elections, as well as taking all measures necessary for its integrity and freedom. Additionally, the CEC is responsible for organizing electoral awareness and education campaigns, issuing leaflets and advertisements that show the importance of elections and encourages citizen participation, after clarifying the terms, conditions, requirements and procedures of participation.

PALESTINE Local Elections Decree Law No23 2025 as amended EN rev 2026-01-27

Local Council Elections Law No. 10 of 2005
On 13 August 2005, the PLC passed Local Council Elections Law No. 10 of 2005, which was issued by President Mahmoud Abbas on 15 August 2005. This law annuls Local Council Elections Law No. 5 of 1996 and Law No. 5 of 2004. It also replaces the simple majority system (districts) with a system of proportional representation (lists). In addition, it stipulates a required woman quota on local councils. Some articles of this law were amended by Law No. 12 of 2005, which was passed by the PLC on 27 August 2005 and issued by the President two days later.

Law No 10 of 2005 on Elections to Local Councils and its Amendments – Consolidated

 Decision by Law No () of 2012 on The amendment of Local Council Elections Law No (10) of 2005, amended by Law No (12) of 2005

Local Council Elections Law No. 5 of 1996
Local Elections law No. 5 of 1996 was among the first laws passed by the PLC. It was approved by late President Yasir Arafat on 16 December 1996. Some articles of this law were amended on 1 December 2004 by Law No. 5 of 2004. The first and second phases of the 2004-2005 local elections were conducted according to this law.