Palestinian President Abbas Sets New Date for Joint Presidential and Legislative Elections

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a presidential decree on Saturday, calling for simultaneous presidential and legislative elections. This decision supersedes a previous decree that had scheduled legislative elections separately. The move comes after consultations with Palestinian factions and political forces, and is based on a decision by the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization.

The new decree invites Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza to participate in free and direct presidential and legislative elections to choose the president of the State of Palestine and members of the Legislative Council. The Central Election Commission has been tasked with taking necessary measures to prepare, organize, and supervise the electoral process across all Palestinian territories.

The Palestinian Presidency stated that the decision to reschedule was made due to national consultations and "obstacles" preventing elections on the original date. These obstacles include movement restrictions, security and field conditions, and difficulties in organizing elections in East Jerusalem and Gaza. The aim is to allow for comprehensive national dialogue to address election-related issues and ensure suitable conditions for a fair vote.

The decree highlighted challenges in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, citing ongoing Israeli military operations, settlement expansion, settler attacks, movement restrictions, and the withholding of Palestinian tax revenues. These factors are said to impact the security, economic, and administrative aspects of election preparations.

Regarding Gaza, the presidency pointed to difficult security and humanitarian conditions, the lack of deployment of international stability forces and police, and the absence of reconstruction efforts and Israeli troop withdrawal. These issues present logistical and field challenges for organizing elections. The decree also noted difficulties for the Central Election Commission and international observers in accessing Gaza and East Jerusalem.

The Palestinian Presidency affirmed its commitment to the electoral process and renewing the democratic legitimacy of Palestinian institutions. It emphasized the importance of ensuring Palestinian participation across all territories, including East Jerusalem, and providing conditions for transparent and fair elections.