Fatah Claims Sweeping Win in Palestinian Local Elections
The party said 197 councils were formed by consensus as turnout reached 53.44%, with Hamas excluded from the ballot.
- On Sunday, Palestinian Authority-run WAFA News Agency reported that Fatah achieved a "sweeping victory" in the April 25 local council elections, winning the majority of races across the West Bank and in the Gaza city of Deir al-Balah.
- The ballot marked the first Palestinian polls since the Gaza war began more than two years ago, with the Palestinian Authority including Deir al-Balah to demonstrate that the coastal territory remains an inseparable part of a future state.
- Voter turnout reached 56% in the West Bank and 23% in Gaza, according to Central Elections Commission Chairman Rami al Hamdallah, who noted the commission managed the process despite Israeli movement restrictions.
- Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa called the vote an "important first step" toward national unity, though critics pointed to process failings and Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem downplayed the results as having no national impact.
- Despite PA President Mahmoud Abbas's promise of national elections by October 10, 2026, analysts remain skeptical, viewing the municipal vote as only a partial proof of concept for the administrative feasibility of future national polls.
53 Articles
53 Articles
Fatah, the nationalist party of Palestinian President Mahmud Abás, in power since 2005, is emerging as the main force in the municipal councils of several key cities in the West Bank, according to official results released on Sunday, with about 95% of the votes cast.
Ramallah. Fatah, the nationalist party of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, in power since 2005, is emerging as the main force in the municipal councils of several key cities in the West Bank, according to official results released on Sunday, with about 95 percent of votes cast.
PA loyalists win big in Palestinian municipal polls
• Dominate West Bank polls, claim many seats uncontested; secure six seats in Deir al-Balah• Hamas boycotts elections; linked candidates win only two of 15 seats• Gaza turnout lags at 23pc, West Bank reaches 56pc; first election in two decades amid Israeli strikes despite truce CAIRO: Loyalists of President Mahmoud Abbas won most races in Palestinian municipal elections, election officials said on Sunday, in a vote that for the first time in nea…
Palestinian officials hail local elections in a Gaza community and the West Bank
Palestinian officials say local elections in Gaza and the West Bank mark a step toward a long-delayed presidential election. The Palestinian Authority hasn't held a presidential election in 21 years.
Palestinian authorities call local elections in a central Gaza community and the occupied West Bank a success
Palestinian authorities said Sunday that local elections in a single Gaza community and the Israeli-occupied West Bank were a success and called them a step toward a long-delayed presidential election in the territories and eventual statehood.
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