{
  "id": 12901098,
  "title": "Highly anticipated Palestinian elections likely to be postponed, sources say",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/highly-anticipated-palestinian-elections-likely-to-be-postponed-12901098",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-08T15:25:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/2026/10/08/highly-anticipated-palestinian-elections-likely-to-be-postponed-sources-say/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council, highly anticipated, may be delayed, according to sources. The last parliamentary vote took place in 2006 and was won by Hamas, resulting in a split between Hamas and the ruling Fatah party. President Mahmoud Abbas, who has been in power since 2005, has extended his tenure by 17 years and governs by decree. The Palestinian Authority has been under pressure to enact reforms and hold presidential elections. Mr. Abbas and his administration are perceived as corrupt and ineffective. His son, Yasser, joining Fatah's central committee this year has raised doubts about him being groomed as a potential presidential successor. In 2021, Mr. Abbas cancelled a proposed presidential election citing Israel's denial of voting rights for Palestinians in East Jerusalem. Recent conditions—post-Gaza war in 2023, increased Israeli aggression in the West Bank—make elections even less feasible. Despite these challenges, Mr. Abbas has stated that 2026 will be the year for Palestinian democracy after receiving threats from the EU over non-compliance. The Election Commission's head, Jamil Al Khalidi, acknowledged ongoing efforts to organize elections in Gaza and the West Bank, despite logistical and security obstacles. The exact impact of a postponement is uncertain, but a recent poll showed 44% of Palestinians did not expect the elections to occur as planned. The reasons for postponement are significant, as the EU continues to pressure for the vote. One source described Mr. Abbas as shortsighted and lacking an understanding of public opinion.",
  "summary": "Discussions are continuing to postpone next month's highly anticipated Palestinian legislative elections , sources told The National on Thursday, with a decision expected in the coming days. The last election for the Palestinian Legislative Council was held in 2006 and won by Hamas , leading to the rift between the group and the ruling Fatah party. Fatah leader and Palestinian Authority President…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Palestinian factions move to delay the first legislative elections in 20 years",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/palestinian-factions-move-to-delay-the-first-legislative-elections-in",
        "published": "2026-10-08T12:54:56.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Highly anticipated Palestinian elections likely to be postponed, sources say",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/highly-anticipated-palestinian-elections-likely-to-be-postponed",
        "published": "2026-10-08T15:25:59.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}