Middle East crisis Palestinian elections

Every second person in the West Bank voted – unexpectedly high

Turnout was unexpectedly high when people in the occupied West Bank voted in this weekend's local elections, reports AP.

Just over 53 percent went to the polls, which is in line with previous local elections. According to the news agency, the figure surprises analysts, who had expected signs of reduced trust in institutions.

In the small part of war-torn Gaza that was allowed to vote, turnout was just over 22 percent. According to the Palestinian Authority, it was a kind of pilot test with the aim of linking the West Bank with Gaza politically.

The results are expected on Sunday.

Few political options as Palestinians go to the polls

Today, almost 1.5 million Palestinians will vote in local elections in the occupied West Bank and in a small part of Gaza. It is the first time since the war broke out in 2023 that elections have been held.

Most of the options are linked to Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas and his Fatah party, which leads a limited government in the West Bank. Hamas has no candidates of its own and according to AFP there are few candidates linked to the terror movement.

There are also some independent candidates running in the elections, but in general there are few political options.

The politicians who are elected do not make laws, but are responsible for local infrastructure such as water supply and road construction. Since there have been no presidential or parliamentary elections since 2006, local elections are seen as one of the few functioning political institutions for Palestinians.

The PA has been criticized for corruption and is accused by many of lacking legitimacy.