The first municipal election in Gaza has been held in over two decades, with residents of Deir el-Balah hoping to restore local governance following Israel's devastating war. The city was selected as a test ground for a revival of democratic process as it suffered less infrastructural damage than other areas in the besieged enclave. The Palestinian Central Elections Commission (CEC), the independent body responsible for administering elections across the Palestinian territories, views the vote as a pivotal milestone. About 70,000 eligible voters over the age of 18 can cast their ballots on Saturday, with voting taking place at 12 electoral centres across the country. The CEC has also launched a toll-free hotline for residents to verify their registration status. Four nominally independent lists of candidates are competing for council seats, with the winner chosen from lists of 15 candidates. The 15 candidates with the most support will form the new local council while ensuring female representation is maintained.