The occupation launches a campaign of threats against local election candidates in the West Bank

Israeli occupation forces have escalated their repressive measures coinciding with the start of the election campaign for candidates in local bodies in the West Bank. These measures included raiding several Palestinian villages and towns, where direct threats of arrest were issued to candidates if they continued in the electoral process or went to the polls.

In the village of Bal'a, east of Tulkarm city, occupation forces raided the homes of several candidates on local lists and intimidated their families. Observers considered these practices a blatant assault on the guaranteed political rights of Palestinians, aiming to deprive them of choosing their representatives in municipal and village councils.

Among those targeted, the name of candidate Bilal Jeetawi stood out. The occupation army raided his home and detained him for long hours along with other candidates from the village. Jeetawi underwent a field interrogation during which he received explicit threats of actual arrest if he continued his electoral path, in an attempt to deter him from exercising his political right.

Jeetawi stated in press remarks that occupation officers warned him against receiving any support from the public of the Islamic Resistance Movement 'Hamas' in the village. The candidate affirmed that he is running in the elections as part of a completely independent list and does not carry any partisan political references in its electoral program, which exposes the falsity of Israeli claims.

Bal'a village is witnessing competition between three electoral lists seeking to manage municipal affairs and serve citizens, but the recent raids have created a state of intense tension. These elections are scheduled to be held on April 25th, amidst security challenges imposed by the presence of the occupation.

For his part, the mayor of Bal'a, Mohammed Suleiman, condemned the continuous Israeli interference in internal Palestinian affairs, describing it as objectionable and unacceptable. Suleiman pointed out that these moves primarily aim to destabilize internal stability and sow seeds of discord among the people.

Suleiman emphasized the Palestinian insistence on completing the electoral process despite all obstacles and threats issued by occupation army leaders. He clarified that going to the polls is a national decision that will not be reversed, stressing that the will of the voters is stronger than field intimidation policies.

These violations are not limited to Bal'a village but have extended to other cities and towns in various West Bank governorates witnessing electoral activity. Independent lists are subjected to intensive pursuits, where the occupation threatens voters themselves with arrest if they decide to participate in voting.

These Israeli practices put the principles of democracy and human rights to the test, as the occupation seeks to disrupt any path that leads to empowering Palestinians to manage their affairs. This tightening raises serious questions about the future of any general legislative or presidential elections under continued Israeli military control.

The occupation army wants to create discord, but we are going to the elections whether the occupation army wants to or not.