The 1996 Palestinian general elections, held on January 20, 1996, marked the first democratic elections in Palestinian history, conducted in the West Bank and Gaza Strip under the newly established Palestinian Authority (PA) following the Oslo Accords. Voters elected Yasser Arafat as the first President of the PA, with Arafat receiving 88.1% of the vote against challenger Samiha Khalil (9.2%). Simultaneously, 88 members were elected to the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), with Fatah winning 54 seats, independents 36, and smaller parties minimal representation. Voter turnout was approximately 79%. The elections were overseen by international observers and considered free and fair despite some controversies over voter registration and Hamas boycott.