On 10 October 2026, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a presidential decree cancelling the legislative elections scheduled for 28 November 2026 and calling for simultaneous presidential and legislative elections on 11 September 2027.
The decision followed consultations with Palestinian political factions and forces, which cited Israeli restrictions and the deteriorating security and humanitarian conditions in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip as major obstacles to holding free, fair, and inclusive elections. The authorities also emphasized the need for national dialogue and appropriate conditions to ensure broad electoral participation.
However, the Civil Coalition for Elections, comprising Palestinian civil society organizations, rejected the postponement, expressing concern that political factions had endorsed the decision rather than taking responsibility for overcoming the obstacles. The Coalition stressed that elections constitute a fundamental political right and a constitutional obligation essential for renewing democratic legitimacy and ensuring meaningful public participation.
The postponement is particularly significant given the prolonged absence of elected legislative institutions in Palestine. The last legislative elections were held in 2006, and the Palestinian Legislative Council was dissolved in 2018. Further delaying elections prolongs the absence of an elected legislature, limiting opportunities for democratic oversight, institutional accountability, and citizens’ participation in political decision-making.
The Coalition also warned that postponement could undermine efforts to strengthen Palestinian political unity amid continuing risks of further separation between the West Bank and Gaza Strip. It emphasized that national dialogue should not substitute for elections and called for an inclusive process involving civil society organizations, trade unions, women, youth, and other societal groups. The Coalition further called for a binding electoral timetable during the first quarter of 2027 and for preserving the preparations already undertaken.
Beyond delaying citizens’ ability to exercise their electoral rights, the postponement risks prolonging the democratic accountability gap, weakening public confidence in political institutions, and limiting opportunities for inclusive political participation and civil society engagement in democratic governance.
The key issues requiring continued monitoring include the implementation of a clear and binding electoral timetable, the meaningful inclusion of civil society in national dialogue, the removal of obstacles to electoral participation, and the safeguarding of conditions for free, fair, and inclusive elections.