Palestinian Local Government Election of (2004/2005), 2012: Results and Indecations, A Comparative Study

The objective of the study is to compare between the first local election (2004-2005) and the second ones (2012), so we can determine the effect of political environments on the results of the elections. In order to achieve this aim, the researcher used a descriptive and analytical method, in which he described the first and the second election processes based on reports, survey's and experts opinions,in addition to analyzing their outcomes then explaining them. He also used the comparison method to show similarities and differences between both elections, and to determine the factors that affected elections results . Several tools were used by the researcher, among these tools: interviews, observance and personal experience, in addition to utilizing a questionnaires that included several variables related to the performance of the councils of local bodies in several aspects, and the relationship between these variables and the mechanism in which these councils are formed, in order to give more comprehensive picture of the status of the councils that are targeted by this study. The study concluded that the existence of official, partisan and popular cover for the elections is constitutes a vital factor for the success of the election process. it also leads to a high turnout and active partisan involvement in the process. While the absence of this cover leads to negligence and low turnout among people. It also concluded that the professionalism and fairness of the supervising committee of the elections are not enough to achieve desired general goal which is to expand the contribution in decision making and strengthen a positive political culture among people. The study showed the role of the Palestinian parties retreated significantly in the daily life of people. They were less capable of rallying people to convince them to vote. It also showed differences of high statical significance between the mechanism of forming councils of local bodies on one side, and its capability, performance, fairness and the quality of its decisions on the other side. The result was in favor of the councils elected in 2004-2005. Perhaps this was due to high degree of completion at that time, which was not available in 2012. It also showed that councils that were elected by acclamation were not very different in their performance and capabilities than those were appointed by central government.