Abbas reaffirms November 28 Palestinian parliamentary elections — first in 20 years — as doubts mount
In a pre-recorded UNGA address from Ramallah, the 90-year-old Palestinian president restated the legislative vote date. Obstacles cited include Fatah divisions, Israel's reported refusal to allow ballot materials into Gaza, and no Fatah candidate list yet.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, 90, reaffirmed that legislative elections will be held on 28 November — the first in 20 years — in a pre-recorded address to the UN General Assembly from Ramallah, Reuters reported on 24 September (Al-Mughrabi/Sawafta).
The pledge and the doubts
Abbas restated the November date even as doubts mount. Reuters cited Fatah divisions; Israel’s reported refusal to allow ballot materials into Gaza; and the fact that Fatah has not yet put forward a candidate list. The Central Elections Commission was due to start receiving applications on Saturday.
Hamas and coalitions
Hamas said it will participate and is discussing a coalition that could include Mohammad Dahlan, who is based in the UAE, according to the Reuters report. Those statements are attributed to the parties involved.
International angle
France has been pressing for elections; Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot was cited in coverage of the push. A presidential election has been decreed for 2027 without a set date. The United States denied Palestinian officials entry to the UN; Abbas called the measures unlawful. He warned that settlement expansion undermines a two-state solution and noted that about 160 countries have recognised Palestine.
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