According to the Palestinian news agency WAFA, polling stations opened at 07:00 local time. About 1 million 30 thousand voters will take part in the voting, who will determine their representatives in 183 local governments.
The head of the Central Election Commission, Rami Hamdallah, said that the voting process for the 2026 local elections has begun throughout the West Bank, as well as in the city of Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip.
Hamdallah, after participating in voting in the village of Anabta near the city of Tulkarm, called on citizens to come to the polling stations and responsibly choose their representatives.
The Palestinian official stressed the importance of a high turnout, saying it would be an indicator of commitment to the democratic process.
Voters will be able to vote at 1,922 polling stations opened in 491 centers. Voting will last until 19:00 local time.
In the elections, 3,773 candidates from 321 lists are competing for 90 seats in municipal councils, while 1,358 candidates are competing for 93 seats in rural councils.
It is noted that the Central Election Commission will announce the results on April 26.
The elections are being held in accordance with the new electoral law adopted on November 19, 2025. In particular, a system of proportional representation (open lists) is used for municipal councils, and a majority system is used for rural councils.
It is reported that the vote count will be carried out at polling stations in the presence of observers and media representatives. The results will be recorded in protocols, and after the announcement they will be transferred to the central data processing system.
It was previously reported that Israel approved resumption of land registration in the West Bank.
