Palestinians set to delay legislative elections due to worsening conditions, letter says

Key Points:

• Palestinian Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh has informed France that the Palestinian legislative election scheduled for November 28, 2026, will be postponed, possibly until September 2027, due to worsening political, security, and economic conditions across Palestinian territories.
• The decision to delay the elections stems from fundamental obstacles affecting inclusiveness, freedom of participation, and the electoral process's integrity, including challenges related to Hamas-controlled Gaza and restrictions on election materials entering the area.
• Palestinian officials had anticipated improvements through US-led peace initiatives and UN resolutions, including disarmament of Hamas and withdrawal of Israeli troops, but these measures have not materialized, leading to deteriorating conditions.
• France, which recognized a Palestinian state in 2025, emphasized the importance of holding elections to renew Palestinian leadership legitimacy and support the two-state solution, while launching an EU mission to observe the electoral process.
• The Palestinian Authority has not held legislative or presidential elections since 2005-06, with President Mahmoud Abbas ruling by decree since 2009 amid declining public support and stalled peace efforts due to ongoing Israeli settlement expansions.