Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has postponed the legislative elections, originally scheduled for November, until September 11, 2027, and has called for a presidential election on the same date, citing Israeli obstacles and the security situation.
The presidential decree cited "obstacles posed by Israeli measures" and the necessity of establishing suitable political, security, and on-the-ground conditions for "free, fair and inclusive elections," according to the official Palestinian news agency WAFA. The decree mandated that Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza should participate in the vote.
The decision to delay follows significant doubts about the feasibility of holding the elections next month. The Palestinian territories have not conducted legislative or presidential elections since 2005-2006. President Abbas has ruled by decree since his presidential mandate expired in 2009, following Hamas's seizure of control in Gaza.
The decree detailed several challenges contributing to the postponement, including Israeli military actions, settlement expansion, settler violence, and movement restrictions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. It also referenced Israel's continued withholding of Palestinian tax revenues. In Gaza, the decree highlighted "exceptional security and humanitarian conditions," the incomplete withdrawal of Israeli forces, reconstruction delays, and the failure to implement arrangements for international stabilization forces and police.
The postponement was preceded by consultations with Palestinian factions and political forces, aiming to allow for comprehensive national dialogue to strengthen unity and address electoral process challenges. There was no immediate comment from Israel, which typically restricts the Palestinian Authority from holding elections in East Jerusalem.
