Palestinian police to guard polling centres
On security, al Khaldi said the responsibility for securing the vote rests entirely with Palestinian police in Deir al Balah, who will protect polling centres and oversee the transport of ballot boxes.
He added that other authorities will play only logistical roles, stressing the importance of avoiding direct security intervention to ensure a smooth process.
As part of preparations, al Khaldi said the commission conducted a wide public awareness campaign, including digital outreach, and field teams distributed informational material and explained the voting procedures.
He added that “mobile loudspeaker vehicles” will circulate during election silence to encourage voter participation.
Al Khaldi said all arrangements have been completed “to the fullest extent,” expressing hope the vote will mark a step towards restoring local democratic processes in Gaza.
There are 445 local authorities in Palestine, including 420 in the occupied West Bank and 25 in Gaza, comprising 161 municipal councils and 284 local councils.
On November 3 2025, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that the Ministry of Local Government decided to convert municipal councils into caretaker bodies starting from December 11 2025, until elections are held after their four-year terms expire.
Local elections were last held in the West Bank in 2021 in two phases, while the Cabinet postponed elections in Gaza, citing political divisions and disputes with Hamas.
The Palestinian political arena has been divided since 2007, with Hamas governing Gaza, and the Palestinian Authority, led by President Mahmoud Abbas and run by Fatah, administering the occupied West Bank.
Repeated reconciliation talks between Palestinian groups over the years have failed to produce concrete steps towards ending the division.
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