Palestinian president postpones elections to September 2027

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 15:19 · Archive

Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas has postponed legislative elections to September 2027, citing security and logistical obstacles.

Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas issued a presidential decree on Saturday postponing legislative elections from 28 November this year to 11 September 2027. The decree calls for presidential and legislative elections to take place simultaneously on that date. Abbas cited 'security, logistical and on-the-ground obstacles to establishing the conditions necessary for elections' for the postponement. The Palestine Liberation Organisation's Executive Committee approved the decision, stating that conditions had 'changed fundamentally' since the elections were announced.

The international community had advocated strongly for the elections to proceed as planned. The European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said earlier this week that the elections 'would offer a long-overdue opportunity to renew the legitimacy of Palestinian institutions' and that 'Palestinians have the right to choose their representatives in elections that are credible, inclusive and transparent'. On Friday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Abbas of 'fooling the international community by canceling once again promised elections'.

Legislative elections were last held in the Palestinian territories in 2006, when Hamas emerged victorious after defeating Fatah. Palestinian factions including Fatah and Hamas had agreed to hold a 'national dialogue' before the November elections, with sources indicating the factions were seeking to postpone the vote.

How it is being reported

• Abbas postpones Palestinian legislative elections to September 2027November 2026 vote delayed; joint presidential and legislative elections set for next year, president says in decree.Al Jazeera · 10 Oct, 15:18
• Abbas delays Palestinian elections to 2027, marking 20 years without a votePalestinians have not held a legislative election since 2006, when Hamas won a majority of seats.CBS News · 10 Oct, 15:08
• Palestinian President Abbas postpones legislative elections until September 2027On Friday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar accused Abbas of "fooling the international community by canceling once again promised elections" as rumours of the postponement circulated.Euronews · 10 Oct, 15:04
• 🔴 Palestinian president Abbas postpones legislative elections, sets presidential poll for September 2027France 24 · 10 Oct, 12:58

In this story: Mahmoud Abbas · Palestinian Authority · Fatah · Hamas · European Union · Gideon Saar · Palestinian territories

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