Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has delayed upcoming legislative and presidential elections, citing Israeli measures and security conditions in the Palestinian territories.
Key facts
- •Legislative and presidential elections are now rescheduled for September 11, 2027.
- •The Palestinian Authority has not held national elections since 2005-2006.
- •Abbas cited Israeli military attacks and movement restrictions as primary obstacles to the vote.
- •Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dismissed the postponement as an attempt to evade responsibility.
- •The decree calls for voting to take place in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree on Saturday postponing legislative elections originally scheduled for next month until September 11, 2027. The decree also set a presidential poll for the same date. Abbas attributed the delay to security concerns and obstacles created by Israeli measures in the West Bank and Gaza.
Reasons Cited for Delay
The presidential decree highlighted several challenges to holding elections this November, including Israeli military actions, settlement expansion, and movement restrictions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Additionally, the decree cited the withholding of Palestinian tax revenues and limitations on access for election commission staff and international observers. Regarding the Gaza Strip, the decree pointed to exceptional humanitarian and security conditions, the lack of progress in reconstruction, and the incomplete withdrawal of Israeli forces. Abbas stated that the postponement aims to establish the necessary political and security conditions for inclusive and fair elections.
Political Context and Reactions
Palestinian legislative and presidential elections have not been held since 2005 and 2006. Since his presidential mandate expired in 2009, Abbas has governed by decree. The Palestinian Authority did hold municipal elections in April in the West Bank and in Deir al-Balah, Gaza. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar rejected the claims made by Abbas, describing them as a "ridiculous lie" intended to avoid accountability. Saar noted that the last Palestinian election occurred two decades ago.
Timeline
- 2005-2006The last legislative and presidential elections were held in the Palestinian territories.
- 2009Mahmoud Abbas' presidential mandate expired.
- AprilMunicipal elections were held in the West Bank and Deir al-Balah.
- September 11, 2027The new date set for legislative and presidential elections.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Al-Monitor, France 24.
