Local elections are taking place in parts of the West Bank and Gaza to elect local councils overseeing utilities like water and electricity. Experts suggest that a high voter turnout will bolster the credibility of Palestinian sovereignty.

Local elections are being held in the West Bank and parts of Gaza on Saturday. The vote will determine the makeup of local councils tasked with overseeing water, roads, and electricity. Bertrand Besancenot, former French ambassador to Qatar and Saudi Arabia, said the vote would provide “credibility to Palestinian sovereignty” if voter turnout is high.