After two decades, the knock of democracy resounds, historic elections in Gaza and West Bank, will the fate of Palestine change?

News India Live, Digital Desk: Today is going to be recorded in golden letters in the pages of history in Palestinian politics. After almost 20 years of waiting and countless struggles, citizens of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank are simultaneously exercising their franchise in local municipal elections. The sight of ‘ballot paper’ amid the pile of debris and the smell of gunpowder is an indication that the Palestinian people now want to follow the path of change instead of guns.

Deir al-Balah: ‘Pilot project’ becomes a ray of hope in Gaza

Holding elections in Gaza Strip was no less than a big challenge, but starting the voting process in ‘Deir al-Balah’ municipality is considered a major diplomatic victory. Nearly 70,000 voters are deciding their future in this city which is facing the horrors of war. Political analysts believe that this election is not just to choose members of the municipality, but it is a symbolic ‘pilot’ attempt to unite Gaza and the West Bank into a political thread. The long queues outside polling stations show that people want a government accountable for basic amenities—water, electricity and roads.

Mixed atmosphere of excitement and fear in West Bank

Voting is underway in 420 local authorities in the West Bank, where more than 1 million people are eligible to vote. However, tight security arrangements have been made for these elections being held in the shadow of the presence of the Israeli army and recent violence. A close contest is being seen between President Mahmoud Abbas’s Fatah party and independent candidates. Interestingly, Hamas has not officially fielded its candidates, but many independent faces have their tacit support. This election is also being considered as a ‘litmus test’ of the future power struggle between Hamas and Fatah.

Will the path to ‘statehood’ be easy?

According to the Palestinian Election Commission, the successful conduct of these elections is to send a message to the international community that Palestine is ready to be governed as an independent state. America and Western countries are also keeping a close watch on these elections. However, not being allowed to vote in Jerusalem still remains a major controversy. If this electoral process is conducted peacefully, it could also pave the way for presidential and legislative elections in the future, which have not been held since 2006.