← Latest news 
Palestinians cast first municipal votes since Gaza war but turnout stays strikingly low
International
Published on 25 April 2026
Low turnout hints at deeper political fatigue after war
Palestinians in the West Bank and central Gaza voted in municipal elections, the first ballot since the Gaza war began. Turnout remained low as only a limited number of candidates stepped forward. President Mahmud Abbas said he was pleased Palestinians could exercise democracy despite severe challenges, while voters cast their ballots hoping local councils could deliver real change.
- Municipal elections mark the first vote since the Gaza war started
- Turnout was low, with fewer candidates than expected
- Mahmud Abbas framed the vote as democracy in difficult times
- Voters are looking for changes in local governance
Read the full story at The Economic Times
This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on 
The Economic Times