Citing Wartime Conditions, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Schedules Parliamentary and Presidential Elections for 11September 2027 After a 15-Year Gap
Ramallah, Palestine | October 10, 2026 | The Global Journal
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has postponed the country’s parliamentary and presidential elections, scheduling both for September 11, 2027, citing the ongoing war and security conditions. The decision means Palestinians will have to wait longer for elections, including a parliamentary vote that had been planned for later this year.
According to a report by Al Jazeera on Saturday, October 10, the 90-year-old president changed the election timetable through a decree. Elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council had previously been planned for November 28, 2026, while the presidential election was expected to take place in early 2027. Under the revised schedule, both elections are set to be held on the same day.
PLO Says Conditions in Occupied Territories Are Not Conducive to Elections
A committee of senior Palestinian officials met on Saturday morning to discuss the election timetable. Subsequently, the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), led by Abbas, said conditions in occupied East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip were not conducive to holding free and fair elections.
According to the Palestinian official news agency WAFA, Israel has not permitted election materials and international observers to enter Gaza. Israeli military operations in the West Bank, settlement expansion and violence by settlers were also cited as obstacles to creating an environment suitable for free and fair elections.
Tax Revenue Withholding and Movement Restrictions Cited
The withholding of Palestinian tax revenues and restrictions on the movement of candidates and election observers were also cited as reasons for postponing the elections.
The Palestinian Authority reportedly also considered the lack of progress in Gaza’s reconstruction and delays in plans to deploy an international stabilization force.
The cited obstacles reflect the Palestinian authorities’ stated position. The Al Jazeera report did not provide a detailed response from Israel to these specific claims.
Postponement Raises Questions About Political Legitimacy
The decision to delay the elections again could raise further questions about the political legitimacy of the Palestinian Authority. It also postpones an opportunity for long-serving political leaders to face electoral competition.
Palestine’s last parliamentary elections were held in 2006, when Hamas defeated Fatah. No subsequent parliamentary election has taken place since then.
No Presidential Election Since 2005
Mahmoud Abbas won the last Palestinian presidential election in 2005. His term was due to end in 2009, but he has remained in office and continued governing through decrees.
If the revised timetable is implemented, the parliamentary and presidential elections will take place on September 11, 2027. However, security conditions in the occupied territories, freedom of movement and the practical arrangements needed to conduct voting will remain important factors in determining whether the elections can proceed as scheduled.
Sources: Al Jazeera and WAFA.
