Mahmoud Abbas, the President of Palestine, has postponed the legislative elections of the country, which were previously scheduled for November 28, to September 11, 2027. The presidential elections, which were supposed to take place early next year, have also been moved to this new date. These elections will be the first Palestinian elections in over 20 years.
Reasons for the Delay of Elections
In his decree, Abbas referred to various reasons, including "obstacles caused by Israeli actions." He clarified that these obstacles include settler violence, military attacks, and movement restrictions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Additionally, the continued failure to transfer tax revenues by Israel has also been cited as another reason for the delay of the elections.
In the Gaza Strip, which remains affected by Israeli attacks and a critical humanitarian situation, Abbas referred to the "exceptional security and humanitarian conditions" and the lack of progress in reconstruction. These issues have also contributed to the postponement of the elections.
Reactions to the Delay of Elections
Gideon Sa'ar, Israel's Foreign Minister, reacted to the news, describing Abbas's decree as a "ridiculous lie" issued to evade responsibility and accountability. Abbas had previously assured French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that elections would be held as part of France's recognition of the state of Palestine.
This delay comes at a time when Abbas had emphasized his commitment to holding elections in November during his speech to the United Nations General Assembly a few weeks ago. Since 2009, when his presidential term ended, Abbas has been governing the country through executive decree.
Read more: The Trump administration claimed it deserved the Nobel Peace Prize · Britain withdrew its diplomats from the Jerusalem consulate
