Gaza:Palestinian election authorities are preparing up to 110 polling centers in the Gaza Strip for approximately 1.25 million voters ahead of the legislative elections scheduled for November 28, despite ongoing security concerns and widespread destruction.
According to Anadolu Agency, Jamil al-Khalidi, regional director of the Palestinian Central Elections Commission in Gaza, stated that preparations are advancing on technical and logistical fronts, although security remains a significant obstacle. The commission has developed contingency plans in case key election materials such as ballot boxes, ballot papers, or electoral ink cannot be brought into the enclave.
Candidate registration began on Saturday, with five party and independent lists submitting applications within the first hour, indicating strong public and political interest. Al-Khalidi emphasized that a safe environment is crucial for voters, candidates, political parties, election staff, and observers, urging the international community to ensure conditions that allow all involved to operate freely and safely.
The destruction in Gaza complicates efforts to identify suitable polling locations. The commission is working with the Education Ministry to find accessible schools to use as polling centers. Despite the destruction, there remains a strong determination among Palestinians to participate in the election.
Al-Khalidi noted that the election would be the first legislative vote since 2006 and only the third since the Palestinian Legislative Council was established. He views the election as a crucial step toward political stability, though he acknowledges that elections alone will not solve all political disputes.
The commission has alternative plans to hold the election in line with international standards if sensitive materials cannot be brought into Gaza. Voting for security forces is set for November 26, two days before the general vote. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas set November 28 for the elections in occupied East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. Legislative and presidential elections scheduled for 2021 were postponed due to the lack of Israeli assurances for Palestinian participation in occupied East Jerusalem.