Palestinian elections postponed again: What it means, what happened last time

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has again pushed back elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), now set for September 2027, according to a decree released on October 10. The official decree cites worsening conditions in the Palestinian territories, including Israeli military actions, settlement expansion, and movement restrictions, as reasons for delaying the polls.

Abbas also cited exceptional security and humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the failure to implement international stabilisation forces as contributing factors.

Last held in 2005-06, the Palestinian elections were the second in the territory's history, the first taking place in 1996. The elections resulted in Hamas winning a majority in the 132-seat PLC, while the Palestinian Authority (PA), led by Abbas, remained in control. The postponement of the elections has raised concerns among Palestinians, with some, like Mustafa Barghouti, expressing disappointment and questioning Abbas's leadership.

The delay also puts Abbas's own credibility at risk, particularly among the PA's international donors, as he has been attempting to reform the political system.