Palestinian Elections Face Hurdles as Candidacy Opens

The Palestinian legislative elections have entered the candidacy phase, with the Central Elections Commission beginning to accept list applications for the vote scheduled for November 28. Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative, stated that the elections are becoming more serious with the start of list registration but warned of obstacles, particularly in Gaza and Jerusalem.

Barghouti described the elections as a long-delayed necessity, noting that Palestinians have not had the chance to elect a legislative council or president for about 20 years. He identified the primary challenge as ensuring Palestinians can exercise their right to vote, especially in Gaza, given the current conditions. He suggested Israel might try to prevent the elections and urged the international community to pressure for their organization and the deployment of observers to Gaza and the West Bank.

The Central Elections Commission confirmed that legislative elections will take place in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, and Gaza, and is preparing for the process, addressing issues related to voting in Jerusalem and Gaza. Barghouti also pointed to internal challenges, such as what he called unfair conditions for lists and candidates, including a $20,000 deposit for each list. The commission clarified this deposit is for candidacy and campaign expenses, with refund procedures outlined by law. Lists must also include 16 to 132 candidates and be endorsed by 3,000 voters.

Barghouti stressed that elections cannot be complete without Jerusalem residents' participation, rejecting limitations on voting rights for those with Jerusalem IDs. The Central Elections Commission data shows approximately 140,000 Jerusalem ID holders are eligible to vote among nearly 2.97 million eligible voters across the territories. The commission stated that the right of residents in Jerusalem and Gaza to participate is guaranteed, with specific procedures to be announced. Barghouti encouraged Jerusalem residents to vote, suggesting polling stations in areas around Jerusalem, and emphasized their participation is crucial.

He also called for extensive electoral monitoring by local and international observers to prevent fraud or interference. Barghouti linked the legislative elections to reunifying the West Bank and Gaza under a single legislative body, highlighting the political significance beyond electing council members. He indicated that presidential elections should follow shortly after, as the current Palestinian president is directly elected by the people. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas set November 28 for legislative elections in July, with presidential elections planned for the first quarter of 2027.

Barghouti criticized the replacement of elections with appointments within the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) institutions and called for elections for the Palestinian National Council, including Palestinians abroad. The Palestinian presidency recently approved a new electoral system for the National Council, allowing for direct elections where possible, allocating 150 out of 350 seats to Palestinians abroad. Barghouti also warned that internal disputes within Fatah and the multiplicity of Fatah-affiliated lists could add pressure to the electoral landscape, though his movement and other Palestinian factions intend to participate despite objections to some electoral conditions.