Abbas Postpones Palestinian Elections to 2027, Blames Israel
Translated & summarized from Channel 9 by baba
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has postponed legislative elections from 2026 to September 2027, also setting presidential elections for the same date. Abbas blamed Israel for creating obstacles, citing military operations, settlement expansion, and movement restrictions. However, analysts suggest Abbas's low popularity and the potential win of Marwan Barghouti in presidential elections are the primary reasons for the delay. Abbas has ruled by decree since his mandate expired in 2009.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Mahmoud Abbas postponed Palestinian elections to September 2027, canceling the 2026 vote.
- Abbas blamed Israeli actions, including military operations and settlement expansion, for the delay.
- Polls show 79% of Palestinians want 90-year-old Mahmoud Abbas to resign.
- Marwan Barghouti would win a presidential election if held now, according to polls.
- Analysts cite Abbas's low popularity and desire to await regional changes as reasons for postponement.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree on October 10, simultaneously canceling parliamentary elections scheduled for November 2026 and setting new combined legislative and presidential elections for September 2027. In the decree, Abbas officially postponed the elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council, placing blame for the disruption on Israel. Ramallah claims that holding fair elections at the originally scheduled time became impossible due to a series of obstacles imposed by Israel. The decree, as reported by WAFA, stated that Israeli authorities blocked access for the Palestinian Central Election Commission staff and international observers to certain regions. The text cites Israeli army operations in the territories, settlement expansion, and severe restrictions on Palestinian movement. It also references the crisis in Gaza, where Israeli forces are still deployed. The document concludes that under these conditions, guaranteeing voter security and the inclusivity of the process is impossible. Ramallah asserts that the new date, September 2027, is intended to allow time for broad internal Palestinian dialogue and to "strengthen national unity." The Central Election Commission has been instructed to begin preparations based on the new timeline. Meanwhile, commentators suggest that the real reasons for the postponement stem from Abbas's low popularity. Polls by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research indicate that 79% of Palestinians demand the resignation of the 90-year-old Mahmoud Abbas. If presidential elections were held in August, Marwan Barghouti would win, according to the polls. Observers note that Abbas has ruled Ramallah solely by presidential decree since his official mandate expired in 2009. Analysts believe that the extended postponement until September 2027 is intended to quell the internal Palestinian electoral momentum and await changes in the regional situation.
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