UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS, ADDS UN REMARKS, CHANGES IN HEADLINE, LEDE
By Hosni Nedim
GAZA CITY, Palestine (AA) - Local elections began in the occupied West Bank and the city of Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip on Saturday, according to the Palestinian Central Elections Commission.
The commission said in a statement that about 1.03 million voters are eligible to vote through 491 polling centers that include 1,922 voting stations.
This also marks the first time in 22 years that municipal elections are taking place in Deir al-Balah, relatively one of the least damaged cities in the enclave during Israel's two-year genocidal war.
The polls, which opened at 7 am (0400 GMT) local time, will be closed at 7 pm (1600GMT) in the occupied West Bank, and at 5 pm (1400GMT) in Deir al-Balah.
The elections cover 183 municipalities in total - 90 municipal councils with 3,773 candidates competing, while 93 village councils with 1,358 candidates vying for seats.
In a recent statement, Ramiz Alakbarov, the UN deputy special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, said the voting marks a significant opportunity for the Palestinians to practice their democratic rights 'during an exceptionally challenging period.'
'The United Nations commends the Central Elections Commission for its sustained efforts to prepare for a credible process, given the significant challenges present in the West Bank and the extraordinarily difficult conditions prevailing in Gaza,' he added.
*Writing by Serdar Dincel