This article is from: srnnews.com
Palestinian Authority Postpones First Parliamentary Elections in 20 Years
By The Media Line Staff
The Palestinian Authority has confirmed that parliamentary elections scheduled for November 28, 2026, will be postponed for several months, citing political, security, economic, and logistical obstacles to holding the first Palestinian legislative vote in 20 years.
Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh notified France of the delay in an official letter dated October 8, 2026. The letter said anticipated political, security, and economic conditions had failed to materialize and raised concerns about whether an inclusive, free, and fair election could be held.
Among the difficulties cited were logistical problems in East Jerusalem and war-ravaged Gaza.
The election was intended to select the 132 members of the Palestinian Legislative Council. No legislative elections have been held since 2006.
Palestinian factions also discussed postponing the vote during meetings in Cairo. Islamic Jihad deputy secretary-general Mohammed al-Hindi told The Associated Press that the factions had reached an agreement.
The factions “have reached understandings regarding the resumption of Palestinian national dialogue and agreed to postpone the upcoming Palestinian elections,” al-Hindi said. He added that the Fatah delegation would return to Ramallah to complete consultations.
Fatah, the party of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, stopped short of saying that a final decision had been made through the factional discussions.
Fatah spokesperson Abdel Fattah Dolah said the party remains committed to holding elections but is discussing their timing with other Palestinian factions because of calls for a delay and “the difficult circumstances on the ground facing our people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.”
Dolah described the Cairo talks as “very positive.” He said the timing of the election would be addressed through a “dialogue and national consensus” among the factions, with a potential postponement to be considered by the Palestinian Liberation Organization Executive Committee.
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