Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has decreed that legislative and presidential elections will be held across the Palestinian territories in November 2026 and early 2027, respectively. The official Wafa news agency reported the announcement, citing a statement from the presidency.

Abbas also stated he is "fully prepared to organize the Palestinian National Council elections scheduled for November, which include the general legislative elections in the homeland and elections abroad." However, it remains unclear whether the 90-year-old leader will run himself.

The last presidential election in 2005 gave Abbas a four-year mandate that expired in 2009, but he has continued to rule by decree, drawing criticism. The last legislative elections in 2006 were won by Hamas, and the Palestinian Legislative Council has not met since 2007.

Holding democratic elections is part of reforms demanded by the international community, which financially supports the Palestinian Authority. In 2021, elections were postponed indefinitely due to lack of guarantees for voting in East Jerusalem, occupied by Israel since 1967.

There is no guarantee that free and fair elections can be held in Gaza, which lies largely in ruins after Israeli assaults and remains under Hamas control.

Source: www.dw.com