Gaza Voters Get a Rare Chance to Cast Their Ballots

The first local elections in Gaza since 2007 let many residents try their hand at voting, a move that could signal a shift in how the Palestinian Authority claims authority over the area. The elections, held on Saturday, included Deir al‑Balah, a city that has suffered less damage than others in the region. Banners with candidate names hang from buildings, while some polling stations are set up in tents because of power shortages. Many Gazans feel that voting is a way to change the harsh reality they face daily. One voter, Adham Al‑Bardini, said he had heard about elections his whole life and is eager to participate so the future can change. The Palestinian Authority, based in the West Bank, hopes that holding elections in Gaza will reinforce its political legitimacy. It also wants to set the stage for national elections after nearly two decades of waiting, according to Western diplomats who see local polls as a step toward greater transparency.However, the political landscape is complicated. Hamas has ruled Gaza for almost twenty years and did not formally nominate candidates, although some lists are seen as aligned with the group. The Palestinian Authority’s request that candidates support its agreements—including recognition of Israel—has led some factions to boycott the vote. The Israeli government has kept tax revenues collected on behalf of Palestinians, arguing that it is a protest against welfare payments to families of those killed in clashes. This has caused financial strain for the Authority, which struggles to pay salaries. Despite these tensions, Hamas said it would respect the results and its civil police will help secure polling places. The election commission expects to announce outcomes by late Saturday or Sunday, with over one million Palestinians eligible to vote, including about 70, 000 in Gaza.