Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas decreed that legislative and presidential elections will be held simultaneously on September 11, 2027, citing Israeli obstacles and security conditions.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has issued a decree postponing legislative elections and setting a new date for both presidential and legislative polls. According to the official Palestinian news agency WAFA, the elections will now be held simultaneously on September 11, 2027.
The decree cited "obstacles posed by Israeli measures" as the primary reason for delaying the legislative vote, which had been scheduled for November 28, 2026. The presidential decree stated that suitable political, security, and on-the-ground conditions were necessary to ensure "free, fair and inclusive elections."
According to WAFA, the postponement followed a resolution by the Palestine Liberation Organisation's executive committee and consultations with Palestinian factions. The decree highlighted several specific challenges:
The decree also noted the need for time to conduct a comprehensive Palestinian national dialogue to strengthen unity and address challenges facing the electoral process.
The postponement drew sharp criticism from Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Abbas of "fooling the international community" by cancelling promised elections. "They keep deceiving. Consequences? Not for the corrupt PA!" Saar wrote on X.
The international community, including the European Union, has strongly advocated for holding elections as part of reforms demanded for the Palestinian Authority. The legislative polls had been due to take place on November 28 this year, while a presidential vote had been expected in early 2027.
This delay extends a long period without democratic processes in the Palestinian territories. The last legislative elections were held in 2006, when the Islamist movement Hamas defeated Abbas' Fatah party. The resulting rift led to factional fighting, with Hamas seizing power in the Gaza Strip and creating a territorial divide between Fatah in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza.
As a result, the Palestinian Legislative Council, the parliament of the Palestinian Authority, has not met since 2007. Abbas won the last presidential election in 2005, and his term should have expired in 2009, but he has since ruled by decree. In June, the 90-year-old leader signed a decree providing for a presidential election to be held at the beginning of 2027, which has now been merged with the legislative vote.
The postponement underscores the deepening political and logistical challenges facing the Palestinian Authority. With the Palestinian Legislative Council inactive since 2007 and Abbas ruling by decree for over 17 years, the delay further complicates efforts to renew democratic legitimacy. The decision highlights the ongoing friction between the Palestinian leadership and Israel, particularly regarding access to East Jerusalem and Gaza, which remains a critical barrier to holding inclusive elections. Additionally, the move comes amid reports of declining popularity for Abbas, with an August opinion poll by the Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research indicating that 79 per cent of respondents wanted him to resign.
According to Fox News, Hamas welcomed the postponement, calling it "a step in the right direction" and urging further talks on rebuilding Palestinian institutions before holding elections. In contrast, a spokesperson for a faction led by Mohammed Dahlan, a former Fatah security chief, stated that "Abbas is terrified by the electoral alliance bringing our faction together with opposition factions and forces within Fatah that reject his leadership."
Additionally, UNN reports that representatives of Fatah and Hamas agreed to postpone the vote during a meeting in Cairo. Fox News notes that the decision comes amid uncertainty regarding the Palestinian Authority's role in Gaza under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire plan, with a committee of Palestinian technocrats currently awaiting permission to enter Gaza to oversee a transition of power.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
The day's checked news, by email
One short email a day with the top stories. Free, and you can unsubscribe in one click.
Or follow for the latest news:
President Donald Trump stated it is time for Ukraine to elect a new leader, criticizing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over a US-Russia diesel export agreement and refinery strikes.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick plans to force a House vote on legislation blocking Russian oil purchases, challenging President Trump's recent diesel agreement with Russia.
