In the village of Tuwana, one of the communities in Masafer Yatta in the southern occupied West Bank, local elections are anything but ordinary. Here, where residents live under the constant threat of displacement and frequent settler attacks, ballot boxes transcend their administrative function, becoming, for many, an act of survival.
Young candidate Muhammad Khader Al-Amour, 28, who is running for a seat on the village council, says his participation stems from "the conviction that change is a responsible practice, not just a slogan." He adds that municipal work in areas like Masafer Yatta is no longer limited to providing services, but is closely linked to strengthening the resilience of residents on their land.
The younger generation seeks to transform the challenges facing threatened villages into opportunities, and "young leadership is capable of making a real difference and connecting these communities to their wider surroundings, thus enhancing their survival and continuity."
This meaning is inseparable from this year's election slogan, "We Remain," which is frequently heard in candidates' speeches, particularly in remote areas, where electoral participation takes on a character that transcends local competition to become a matter of asserting presence.
In this context, Palestinians will head to the polls on Saturday, April 25, for local elections held amidst complex political and security circumstances, where the repercussions of the war in the Gaza Strip intersect with escalating tensions in the West Bank.
Election Commission
The spokesperson for the elections committee told Al-Quds Al-Arabi: The predominant character is local and familial, with limited political presence.
According to Farid Ta'amallah, spokesperson for the Central Elections Commission, more than one million Palestinians are eligible to participate in these elections, which will be held in 183 local councils in the West Bank, including Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip. Voting will begin at 7:00 AM and continue until 7:00 PM in the West Bank, and until 5:00 PM in Gaza.
In an interview with Al-Quds Al-Arabi, Ta'amallah acknowledged that the electoral process is taking place under "difficult circumstances," referring to military checkpoints, closures, settler attacks, and the repercussions of the war in Gaza. He emphasized that logistical arrangements have been made through civil liaison channels to ensure the transport of ballot boxes and the entry of election materials, allowing the process to proceed "as smoothly as possible" despite the complexities.
He noted that the elections will be held under extensive monitoring, with the participation of more than 2,500 local observers, in addition to international observers and media outlets, affirming that the integrity of the electoral process is "guaranteed according to the law and international standards."
Ta’am Allah points out that the electoral lists are still predominantly local and familial, with a limited political presence in major cities, while the figures reveal a striking gap between participation and candidacy, as young people (18-30 years old) constitute about 31.5% of voters, compared to only 15% of candidates, while women represent about 48.5% of voters, and about one-fifth of candidates.
Candidates in confrontation zones
In many Palestinian cities, voters are expressing visions that go beyond the traditional role of municipalities, especially given the escalating settler attacks and the proliferation of settlement outposts in the West Bank.
In this context, candidate Ahmed Al-Asas told Al-Quds Al-Arabi that municipalities can no longer be limited to providing services in light of the changing realities on the ground. He called for the establishment of local emergency committees and enhanced coordination among municipalities to provide a form of community protection, particularly given the increasing settler violence.
He stated that "the municipality must be part of the community protection system, in addition to its role in providing services," noting that the Palestinian Authority alone cannot meet the needs of all areas, especially isolated villages.
Al-Asas also criticized the lack of electoral awareness, pointing out that campaign spending is not matched by sufficient efforts to educate citizens, which influences voting patterns and reinforces familial considerations at the expense of programmatic platforms.
In the Jerusalem suburbs, the elections take on a different dimension, given the absence of any Palestinian municipal representation within the city.
Lama Abu Helou, a 26-year-old candidate from the town of Hizma, told Al-Quds Al-Arabi that participating in the elections is a "national act" in the face of what she describes as attempts to erase Palestinian identity.
She added that the residents of the Jerusalem suburbs "live an extension of the city's suffering, but they cling to their right to express their existence," emphasizing that "participation is a message that the Palestinian voice remains, despite all the restrictions."
She stressed that the presence of women and youth in these elections is not merely symbolic, but reflects a real role in strengthening the community's resilience, especially in light of the restrictions on public activity and the arrest of some candidates.
Between hope and doubt
Palestinian public opinion is divided between hope and reservation.
In Bethlehem, Bassam Jabr, 64, told Al-Quds Al-Arabi that the city has suffered in recent years from a lack of cohesion within the municipal council, which has negatively impacted the level of services. He expressed hope that the upcoming elections would result in a more unified council.
However, he believes that the role of municipalities remains limited to providing services, and that major issues, such as settlements, "are beyond their jurisdiction."
Ahmed Saeed, 23, expressed clear skepticism, noting that the elections did not bring about tangible changes, but he nevertheless emphasized the importance of participation as a means of exerting influence.
In Jenin, Sari Arabi believes that municipalities can play a broader role by supporting youth initiatives and promoting volunteer work, stressing that "choosing the right people directly impacts the lives of citizens."
Indicators of awareness and participation
In the town of Nahalin, candidate Naeem Fanoun expects voter turnout to reach approximately 60%, indicating that this reflects a growing awareness among citizens, particularly young people, who are eager to exercise their right to choose their representatives.
He believes that the role of municipalities should be comprehensive, combining service provision with support for the local community, by assisting vulnerable groups and promoting social work.
Elections under pressure
The Palestinian local elections reflect a complex reality, where the need for improved services intertwines with the desire to assert one's presence, all within a repressive political and security environment.
While some view them as a tool of limited influence, others see them as a necessary space for public action, albeit within a narrow margin.
This year's slogan, "We Remain," appears to be more than just an election rallying cry; it reflects a broader sentiment: Palestinians are striving to solidify their presence in the face of a complex reality fraught with multiple possibilities.
These elections may not alter the balance of power, but for many, they remain a means of clinging to what is possible.
From villages threatened with extinction to cities seeking better services, Palestinians go to the polls aware of the limitations of their influence, yet determined to act.
Here, "remaining" becomes not merely an election slogan, but a daily practice and a form of resilience.
