Palestinian factions move to delay the first legislative elections in 20 years

Discussions are ongoing to delay the upcoming Palestinian legislative elections, according to sources speaking with The National. A decision on the postponement is anticipated within days. The last legislative vote, held in 2006, was won by Hamas, resulting in a split between Hamas and the ruling Fatah party. Fatah's President, Mahmoud Abbas, who took office in 2005, has served beyond his term by 17 years and now operates through decree.

The Palestinian Authority has been under pressure from Palestinians, the region, and the West for internal reforms and presidential elections. President Abbas, 90, and his team are often criticized as corrupt and ineffective. Concerns have arisen that Abbas may groom his son, Yasser, as his successor for an expected presidential election next year.

Abbas canceled a 2021 presidential election attempt due to Israel's refusal to allow Palestinian voters in occupied East Jerusalem to participate. The current circumstances are even less favorable for elections following Gaza's destruction in Israel's 2023 war, initiated by Hamas, and increased Israeli violence and settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, where the PA is headquartered.

President Abbas has publicly vowed that 2026 would be the year for Palestinian democracy, following EU threats to withdraw funding if he fails to meet their reform demands. Jamil Al Khalidi, head of the election commission, disclosed to Palestinian media this week that preparations are underway for elections in Gaza and the West Bank, despite security, logistical, and technical challenges.

Israel continues to impede the entry of alternatives to traditional ballot boxes and voting ink into Gaza. The impact of a delayed legislative election on Palestinians remains uncertain, although a recent August poll by the Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research indicated that 44 percent of 1,270 respondents did not believe the elections would occur as planned.

The timing of the postponement is significant due to the EU's persistent push for the vote to be held. According to one source, Abbas is short-sighted and unlikely to have planned beyond postponing the vote, citing his lack of understanding of public opinion.