International Praise for the Organization of the 2026 Local Elections Despite Challenges

SadaNews - The 2026 local elections received international attention and praise, with several countries and regional and international organizations considering them an important milestone in strengthening democracy and expanding political participation in Palestine, despite the existing political and humanitarian challenges.

A joint statement issued by 28 countries, including EU member states, welcomed the organization of the Palestinian local elections on April 25 last year during these difficult times, considering it an opportunity for Palestinians to elect their local councils and renew their democratic legitimacy.

The countries emphasized "the importance of conducting transparent, credible, and inclusive elections... as a significant step toward expanding the scope of democracy and enhancing local governance, in general, and in line with the ongoing reform process".

The statement noted that several diplomatic missions and representatives of participating countries were present on the ground at the invitation of the Palestinian Central Elections Commission, aiming to monitor the electoral process, reflecting the international interest in ensuring integrity and transparency.

Canada also welcomed the conduct of the Palestinian local elections, reiterating in its statement its "strong support for democracy and electoral processes in Palestine", indicating that it will continue, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme - Palestine (UNDP Palestine), to strengthen Palestinian institutions, primarily the Central Elections Commission, and encourage civic participation.

In the same vein, the United Nations, through the Deputy Special Coordinator for the UN Peace Process in the Middle East, Ramiz Al-Kabrouf, praised the efforts of the Central Elections Commission to conduct a reliable electoral process, given the significant challenges facing the West Bank and the extremely difficult conditions prevailing in Gaza. Mr. Al-Kabrouf considered the elections "an important opportunity for Palestinians to exercise their democratic rights during an exceptionally difficult time".

Similarly, the Arab Organization for Electoral Management praised the will of the Palestinian people and their determination to exercise their democratic right in a message sent to the Central Elections Commission, commending the Commission’s commitment to the highest international standards in managing the electoral process despite the exceptional challenges and difficult circumstances imposed by the occupation.