Though turnout was low, voters said they were driven to the polls amid a near-total absence of public services.

Nearly 1.5 million people are registered to vote in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, as well as 70,000 people in Gaza's Deir el-Balah area, according to the Ramallah-based Central Elections Commission.

April 25 (UPI) -- Palestinians in Gaza held an election for the first time in 20 years as municipal elections were held there and in the West Bank on Saturday.

April 25 (UPI) -- Palestinians in Gaza held an election for the first time in 20 years as municipal elections were held there and in the West Bank on Saturday.

The Palestinian Authority faces widespread criticism over corruption, stagnation and declining legitimacy.

Only 21.2% of registered voters cast ballots in Strip's Deir el-Balah area, with first vote there since 2006 seen largely as a test for possible future polls

Palestinians cast ballots in local elections that included Gaza for the first time in two decades. The vote tested political sentiment as the Palestinian Authority sought to reinforce unity with Gaza amid war and pressure on statehood.