Palestinian Authority Postpones Legislative Elections Until September 2027

Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh informed France that the Palestinian legislative elections, originally scheduled for November 28, will be postponed, potentially until September 2027, citing a deterioration of conditions across the Palestinian territories. The message, sent to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on October 8, stated that the political, security, and economic circumstances necessary for the November 2026 election date had not materialized. It also noted that holding elections under current conditions would face significant obstacles to their comprehensiveness, freedom of participation, and integrity.

Serious doubts had already surrounded the elections. The Palestinian Authority has not held presidential elections since 2005 or legislative elections since 2006, after which Hamas gained control of Gaza. Some Fatah officials called for dialogue with Hamas and other factions to establish a unified national vision before proceeding. Others pointed to logistical challenges, such as the inability to bring ballot boxes, papers, and ink into Gaza, as making voting impossible.

Palestinian officials had anticipated improvements stemming from a US plan to end the Gaza war, a UN Security Council resolution, the deployment of international forces and Palestinian police in Gaza, Hamas disarmament, and Israeli troop withdrawal. They also expected US efforts to prevent further West Bank and Jerusalem annexation, curb settler violence, and secure the release of approximately $7 billion in Palestinian funds held by Israel. However, the message stated these steps and promises had not been fulfilled, and conditions had worsened.

Based on their assessment, Palestinian officials recommended that President Mahmoud Abbas postpone the legislative elections for several months and continue internal dialogue. They advised Abbas to issue a decree setting the new election date for the first half of September 2027. Abbas had previously reaffirmed plans for elections in a UN address on September 24.

France, which recognized a Palestinian state in September 2025, had urged the Palestinian Authority to proceed with the elections, a commitment Abbas had made in writing to French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Spokesperson for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesperson for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated on Thursday that elections are essential for the Palestinian leadership to defend their people's legitimate aspirations with renewed legitimacy and uphold the two-state solution. He welcomed an EU mission to monitor the elections.