RAMALLAH, April 25, 2026 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas cast his vote on Saturday in the 2026 local elections at the polling station in Al-Mustaqbal Al-Saleh School in Al-Bireh.

Following his vote, the President said, "We are very pleased that we are able to practice democracy despite all the difficulties we face locally and internationally, and we are determined to hold the elections on schedule despite everything."

He added, "We are pleased with the conduct of elections. First, student youth elections were held, then local council elections, followed by Fatah movement elections next month, and then the Palestinian National Council elections, all of which will take place this year.”

The President further reiterated that Palestinians remain committed to democratic principles and political pluralism, asserting their right to an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

"We say to the world that we are democratic, we believe in democracy and pluralism, and we deserve an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital," he said.

The President also addressed the situation in the Gaza Strip, saying it is facing daily war and attempts at separation, stressing that this will not be allowed. 

He affirmed that Gaza is an integral part of the State of Palestine and noted that holding elections in Deir Al-Balah aims to reinforce unity between different parts of the country, with hopes for broader elections in Gaza once conditions stabilize.

Y.S/M.N