Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has announced plans for legislative elections in 2026
June 16, 2026: Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has announced plans to hold legislative elections in November 2026 and presidential elections in early 2027. According to the official Palestinian news agency WAFA, Abbas issued a decree confirming the election schedule and stated that preparations would also include elections for the Palestinian National Council. The announcement marks the first major electoral roadmap in years for the Palestinian territories.
Abbas, who is 90 years old, has remained in office since winning the 2005 presidential election, despite his original four-year mandate expiring in 2009. The last legislative elections were held in 2006, when Hamas defeated Abbas’ Fatah movement. Since then, Hamas has governed the Gaza Strip, while the Palestinian Authority has maintained control over parts of the West Bank. The Palestinian Legislative Council has not convened since 2007.
The international community has long called for democratic reforms within the Palestinian political system. Previous plans for elections in 2021 were postponed over concerns regarding voting arrangements in East Jerusalem. Questions also remain about the feasibility of conducting free and fair elections in Gaza, which continues to face severe challenges following years of conflict and remains under Hamas control. The success of the proposed electoral process will depend on political agreements and security conditions across the Palestinian territories.