RAMALLAH: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has postponed legislative elections until September 11, 2027, with presidential and parliamentary polls now scheduled to take place on the same day, official media reported Saturday.
The legislative elections had been scheduled for November 28, 2026, while the presidential vote was expected in early 2027. In a decree, Abbas cited what he described as Israeli-imposed obstacles and the need for suitable political and security conditions to ensure free and fair elections.
Abbas said this week that Israel had refused to allow Palestinian election officials access to East Jerusalem and Gaza ahead of the vote. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar had accused Abbas of misleading the international community over the planned postponement.
The elections are part of reforms sought by the international community, including the European Union. The Palestinian territories last held legislative elections in 2006, when Hamas defeated Fatah, the dominant faction in the Palestinian Authority.
The resulting political split led to factional fighting and Hamas taking control of Gaza, while Fatah retained its position in the West Bank. The Palestinian Legislative Council has not met since 2007.
Abbas won the last presidential election in 2005. His term was due to end in 2009, but he has continued to govern by decree.