Local elections were held in Gaza for the first time in years, but turnout remained low
Kyiv • UNN
In the Gaza Strip, local elections were held for the first time in almost two decades in Deir al-Balah. Turnout was 13.8%, on the West Bank – 25.3%, Abbas emphasized unity.
Palestinians held local elections that for the first time in nearly two decades partially covered the Gaza Strip. Voting took place, in particular, in the city of Deir al-Balah. This is reported by Reuters, writes UNN.
Details
The Palestinian Authority views the inclusion of Gaza in the electoral process as a step toward restoring political influence over the territory, control of which it lost in 2007.
According to official data, voter turnout was low. By midday, turnout in Deir al-Balah stood at 13.8%, while on the West Bank it was 25.3%.
Voting on the West Bank lasted longer, while in Gaza it was completed earlier due to power supply restrictions.
Political signal
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stated that holding elections in Gaza should symbolize the unity of Palestinian territories.
Gaza is an integral part of the State of Palestine
At the same time, some residents viewed the elections as an opportunity to restore democratic processes after a long interruption.