Hamdallah: Local elections are held for the first time in a single phase, with a voter turnout of 15% so far

SadaNews - Rami Hamdallah, chairman of the Central Elections Commission, stated that local elections are being conducted for the first time in a single phase, noting that the voter turnout has reached 15% (around 12 PM local time).

Hamdallah added during a press conference held on Saturday at the elections commission's headquarters in Al-Bireh that the electoral process is proceeding well and smoothly.

He affirmed that holding elections in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip reflects the geographical unity of the homeland.

Polling stations opened their doors at 7 AM today to receive approximately 1,030,000 citizens to elect their representatives in 183 local bodies.

Voters are casting their votes at 491 centers, which include 1,922 polling booths, and the voting process will continue until 7 PM today.

The elections include 90 municipal councils, among which is the Deir al-Balah municipality, competing with 321 electoral lists consisting of 3,773 candidates, in addition to 93 village councils competing for their seats with 1,358 candidates.