Palestinian Elections Face Israeli Obstacles and Internal Divisions Amidst Postponement Fears

The Palestinian Central Elections Committee faces significant challenges in holding legislative elections on their scheduled date of November 28, primarily due to Israeli restrictions and internal Palestinian divisions. A Palestinian official stated that the Israeli government is refusing to allow the committee access to Gaza and Jerusalem, potentially jeopardizing the elections. These restrictions come as Palestinian and regional efforts intensify to address the elections, with increasing speculation about a possible postponement.

Senior Fatah officials Jibril Rajoub and Mohammed Shtayyeh traveled to Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials to discuss a national dialogue and the potential for a delay with the consent of Palestinian factions. Meanwhile, the Central Elections Committee maintains it has local staff in Gaza capable of managing the electoral process, with trained employees operating in three offices under Ramallah's supervision. The committee described the Israeli refusal to allow West Bank officials access to Gaza as "unfortunate" but affirmed its continued preparations, including logistical arrangements and tenders for election supplies.

The approaching deadline for candidate registration, extended by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, adds urgency to the situation. Several lists have submitted applications, while various Palestinian factions, including Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the Reform Current within Fatah, and Nasser Al-Qudwa, are engaged in discussions to form joint electoral lists.

In a significant development, Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti is reportedly set to head the newly forming National Alliance list. Samir Masharawi, a leader in the Dahlan current, indicated that Barghouti's leadership could significantly boost the list's political weight and reshape Palestinian power dynamics, particularly within Fatah. This move aligns with broader efforts to forge alliances beyond traditional organizational lines.

Concurrently, the European Union has expressed its readiness to send an observation mission for the legislative elections, with Vice President Kaja Kallas emphasizing the need for "credible, inclusive, and transparent" elections during a call with Palestinian Vice President Hussein Al-Sheikh.

Sources within Fatah suggest that postponing the elections is a serious consideration, potentially until next summer. This postponement would likely be framed as a "technical" issue stemming from the inability to conduct elections in Jerusalem and Gaza, rather than a direct political decision. While the Elections Committee asserts its capability to manage the elections, citing its experience in recent local elections, the possibility of holding them on time appears increasingly difficult due to political disagreements and field restrictions. Cairo is expected to be a key venue for upcoming Palestinian consultations aimed at addressing the elections' fate and current political issues.