Al-bireh: The Central Elections Commission announced on Sunday the final results of the local elections held in 183 local councils in the West Bank and the city of Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip, detailing the number of votes and seats won by each list.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Head of the Commission, Rami Hamdallah, stated during a press conference that the electoral process, conducted under complex conditions, was completed with integrity and transparency. This election marked the first use of a new law introducing an open-list system and a mixed individual system, necessitating extensive awareness programs and the training of numerous trainers to ensure a successful process.
Hamdallah highlighted that despite substantial challenges, such as the inability to transport electoral materials, the elections in Deir al-Balah were achieved by locally printing ballot papers and preparing boxes. He noted the low voter turnout of 23 percent in Deir al-Balah, attributing it to an outdated civil registry and the displacement of families. In contrast, voter turnout in the West Bank reached 56 percent, showing an increase compared to previous years.
The Salfit governorate recorded the highest turnout at 71 percent, while Deir al-Balah had the lowest. Invalid ballots accounted for 4 percent, with a significant 33 percent representation of women among the winners. Hamdallah expressed hope for future elections in additional local councils across the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa congratulated the Commission and the Palestinian citizens on this significant step toward national unity and independence. He emphasized that local elections are part of a broader national process to fortify democratic life and strengthen national institutions. Mustafa pledged continued support for local councils to enhance their governance and service delivery.
The Prime Minister also addressed the ongoing challenges faced by the Gaza Strip, highlighting the need to reunify it with the West Bank under Palestinian authority. He welcomed UN Security Council Resolution 2803, calling for its swift implementation and the end of Israeli occupation in Gaza. Mustafa stressed the urgent need for humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts while warning against security instability that could delay progress.
On the economic front, Mustafa criticized Israel's blockade and financial measures against Palestine, which have hindered economic development. He noted the government's dual strategy to pressure Israel into releasing withheld funds and to support Palestinian resilience through various programs and projects.
The government has launched several initiatives, including $50 million from Arab and Islamic funds and significant financial support from local resources, to improve infrastructure and services. These efforts aim to bolster local governance and enhance the quality of life for citizens across Palestinian territories.