Deir al-Balah, a central Gaza city heavily affected but comparatively less damaged than other areas, is preparing to hold its first municipal elections in more than two decades. The vote, scheduled for 25 April, will mark the first local electoral process in the Gaza Strip since 2005, following a two-year Israeli military campaign that left vast destruction across the territory. Palestinian election officials say preparations are underway despite significant logistical and infrastructural challenges.

According to the Palestinian Central Elections Commission, there has been notable interest from prospective candidates since nominations opened earlier this week. Jamal al-Khalidi, the Commission’s regional director in Gaza, described a “significant wave of inquiries and submissions” from various segments of society, indicating broad engagement with the upcoming vote. The deadline for candidate lists is set for 1 March at 2 p.m. local time, with the Gaza poll to coincide with local council elections in the West Bank.

The electoral system will operate on a list-based format, requiring each slate to include at least 15 candidates, among them a minimum of six women. Five representatives will ultimately be selected from each list, a structure officials say is intended to widen participation and strengthen representation within the municipal council. Initial indicators suggest that at least four electoral lists are expected to compete.

Holding the elections in Deir al-Balah was deemed feasible because the city sustained comparatively less destruction than other parts of Gaza, though it still suffered significant damage during the conflict. Much of the Strip’s civilian infrastructure ، including public buildings that typically serve as polling stations ، has been destroyed or repurposed as shelters for displaced residents. Election officials have indicated that temporary tents may be erected as alternative voting sites if necessary.

The vote takes place against the backdrop of longstanding Palestinian political division. Since 2007, Gaza has been administered by Hamas, while the Palestinian Authority governs the West Bank. Previous attempts to hold local elections in Gaza were postponed, with officials citing political disputes and unsuitable conditions. If successfully conducted, the Deir al-Balah ballot could represent a rare administrative milestone in a territory still grappling with the aftermath of war and deep political fragmentation.