Abbas confirms Palestinian legislative elections set for November 28, 2026

September 25, 2026 at 03:30 PM2 min

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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas confirmed that legislative elections will be held on November 28, 2026, in a video address to the UN General Assembly. The vote would be the first Palestinian parliamentary election in 20 years. The announcement comes amid divisions within Fatah and uncertainty over Gaza's participation.

Key Facts

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas confirmed November 28, 2026, as the date for legislative elections in a video address to the UN General Assembly.
The last Palestinian Legislative Council elections were held in 2006, and the last presidential elections in 2005.
The Palestinian Central Election Commission plans to begin accepting candidate applications on September 26.
Hamas has announced its intention to participate and has begun consultations with other political forces, including former Fatah official Mohammed Dahlan, to form a coalition against Fatah.
France has called on Palestinian authorities to hold both parliamentary and presidential elections and supports sending European Union observers.

Election Announcement

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas confirmed in a video address to the UN General Assembly that legislative elections will be held on November 28, 2026. The vote would be the first Palestinian parliamentary election in 20 years. Abbas also announced the completion of a reform program that the Palestinian Authority had committed to implement. The United States had previously demanded that the Palestinian National Authority take measures to combat corruption and improve governance.

Fatah Divisions and Gaza Uncertainty

Fatah representatives doubt that the elections will take place on the announced date. Some Fatah members call for preliminary dialogue with all Palestinian factions, while others point to Israel's refusal to allow the delivery of ballot boxes, ballots, documents, and ink to the Gaza Strip. Fatah has not yet announced its list of candidates. The Palestinian Central Election Commission plans to begin accepting candidate applications on September 26.

Hamas Coalition Talks

Hamas has announced its intention to participate in the elections and has begun consultations with other political forces to form a coalition against Fatah. Negotiations are underway with former senior Fatah official Mohammed Dahlan, who lives in the UAE and is considered a possible successor to Abbas. France has called on Palestinian authorities to hold both parliamentary and presidential elections. Paris is assisting the Palestinian National Authority in preparing for the vote and supports sending European Union observers.