Why did the Palestinian Authority postpone elections - again?
Why did the Palestinian Authority postpone elections - again? Submitted by Lubna Masarwa on Tue, 10/13/2026 - 13:44 A Hamas-Dahlan alliance threatened Fatah's electoral plans and exposed a wider struggle over Palestinian politics Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas attends the foundation stone ceremony of the Innovation and Excellence Compound in the West Bank city of Ramallah, on 9 September…
The Palestinian Authority (PA) has postponed elections for the third time, causing concern over the legitimacy of the governing body. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had announced the polls in July, but the vote was delayed once again, this time to 11 September 2027. Analysts suggest that logistical issues in Gaza and the West Bank, coupled with tension between Fatah and Hamas, contributed to the postponement.
A surprising alliance between Hamas and the faction of former Fatah official Mohammed Dahlan, which threatens Fatah's dominance, played a significant role. The coalition, composed of major opposition forces and independents, aimed to unite Palestinian political players and negotiate political issues before the upcoming polls. However, the deep-rooted struggle for power and influence in Palestinian politics remains.
Abbas, pressured by international expectations for reform, announced the elections in response to external pressure. However, the timing did not align with the ground realities, with Gaza still in ruins and the West Bank facing economic and political challenges.
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