Gaza Election Body Prepares Polling Centers Amid Security Challenges

Palestinian election authorities are preparing up to 110 polling centers in the Gaza Strip for approximately 1.25 million voters ahead of legislative elections scheduled for Nov. 28. These preparations proceed despite widespread destruction and continuing security concerns that complicate logistical efforts across the enclave.

Jamil al-Khalidi, regional director of the Palestinian Central Elections Commission in Gaza, stated that technical and logistical preparations are advancing steadily. However, he emphasized that security remains the primary obstacle to holding the vote successfully. Officials are working with the Education Ministry to find usable schools that can serve as voting sites.

The scale of destruction in Gaza has significantly complicated efforts to identify appropriate polling sites. Al-Khalidi noted that infrastructure needed for the electoral process has been heavily affected. Current plans call for around 100 to 110 centers in the enclave to serve the large number of eligible voters registered for this historic political event.

Candidate registration opened on Saturday, with five party and independent lists filing applications within the first hour. Al-Khalidi described this early turnout as a positive sign of public and political interest. Registration will remain open until Oct. 7, while campaigning is scheduled to begin on Nov. 6 for all participating political entities.

Voting for security forces is set for Nov. 26, two days before the general vote. President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree in July setting the date for legislative elections in occupied East Jerusalem, the occupied West Bank, and Gaza. This would be the first Palestinian legislative vote since 2006 and only the third since the council was established.