Ramallah, May 6, 2026 (WAFA) – The 2026 local elections received international attention and praise, and several countries and regional and international organizations considered them an important milestone in the path of strengthening democracy and expanding political participation in Palestine, despite the existing political and humanitarian challenges .
A joint statement issued by 28 countries, including the European Union, welcomed the holding of the Palestinian local elections on April 25th during these difficult times, considering it an opportunity for Palestinians to elect their local councils and renew their democratic legitimacy .
The countries stressed “the importance of holding transparent, credible and inclusive elections, as an important step towards expanding democracy and strengthening local governance, in general and in line with the ongoing reform process.”
The statement noted that a number of diplomatic missions and representatives of participating countries were present on the ground at the invitation of the Palestinian Central Elections Commission, with the aim of monitoring the progress of the electoral process, in a step that reflects international interest in ensuring integrity and transparency .
Canada also welcomed the holding of the Palestinian local elections, and in a statement reiterated its “strong support for democracy and electoral processes in Palestine,” noting that it will continue, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme – Palestine (UNDP Palestine) , to strengthen Palestinian institutions, especially the Central Elections Commission, and encourage civic participation .
For its part, the United Nations, through the Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Ramiz Alekperov, praised the efforts of the Central Elections Commission to conduct a credible electoral process, given the significant challenges facing the West Bank and the extremely difficult conditions prevailing in Gaza.
Akbarov considered the elections “an important opportunity for Palestinians to exercise their democratic rights during a very difficult period .”
In this context, the Arab Organization for Electoral Administrations, in a letter sent to the Central Election Commission, praised the will of the Palestinian people and their determination to exercise their democratic right, and commended the Election Commission’s commitment to the highest international standards in managing the electoral process despite the exceptional challenges and difficult circumstances imposed by the occupation .
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R.H.
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