2026 Palestinian local elections
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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April 25, 2026
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4,097 Council members |
Elections for 403 local authorities in Palestine were held on April 25, 2026.[1][2] These elections are taking place in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.[3] Domestic civil society organizations, private individuals, and international journalists are permitted to apply to become observers of the elections.[4][5]
The voter registration process, also subject to observation, took place in January.[6] Registrants must be:
- of Palestinian nationality
- aged 17 or older (born on or before January 24, 2009)
- a resident of the local authority of registration for at least six months before the election[7]
- of full legal capacity
Individuals applied for registration online via the Central Elections Commission website, in person at a voter registration center, or at a District Electoral Office (with exceptions).[6]
The fifteen-member Election Cases Court was created on December 25, 2025, by presidential decree-law.[8]
Supporters of president Abbas won a majority of contested seats including some in Gaza's Deir al-Balah. One of the Deir al-Balah lists, largely seen as Hamas-aligned, won only two of the 15 seats contested in Gaza.[9]
The Central Elections Commission describes the electoral process in five stages.[2]
| Registration stage | Exhibition & challenges stage | Nomination stage | Electoral campaigning stage | Polling day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 20–24 | February 7–9 | February 23 – March 1 | April 10–23 | April 25 |
| 5 days | 3 days | 7 days | 14 days | 1 day |
