Second Phase of the Palestinian Local Elections

On March 26, 2022, the second phase of the 2021–22 Palestinian local elections was held, this time in larger towns and cities across the West Bank. This phase was seen as more politically significant, as it included major urban centers like Ramallah, Hebron, and Nablus, where political competition was much fiercer. While Fatah-affiliated candidates won control of some councils, the results demonstrated a major setback for the ruling party. In several key cities, independent candidates and opposition-affiliated lists secured victories, reflecting widespread frustration with the Palestinian Authority (PA). Many of these independents were backed by Islamist-leaning factions, showing a growing shift away from traditional party dominance. Unlike the first phase, where many councils were formed uncontested, the second phase saw strong competition, particularly from groups critical of Fatah’s governance. Hamas did not officially participate, but several Hamas-aligned independent candidates managed to win seats, demonstrating the group’s continued political influence despite its boycott. The results of this election underscored a declining trust in traditional Palestinian leadership and highlighted the ongoing political divisions that have stalled broader national elections. While these local elections reinforced Palestinian commitment to democracy, they did little to resolve the deeper political deadlock between Fatah and Hamas. #PalestinianElections #LocalDemocracy #WestBankVotes #ElectionResults #PoliticalChange #MomentOfLife #MoofLife