Palestinians prepare to delay legislative vote, Reuters reports

Elections scheduled for November 28, 2026, could be postponed for several months. Reuters cited a letter from Hussein Al Sheikh to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.

The October 8 letter says the anticipated political, security and economic conditions for holding the vote have not materialised. Reuters reviewed the document and reported its contents on October 9.

Under the assessment outlined in the letter, voting now faces obstacles affecting inclusiveness, freedom of participation and the integrity of the electoral process. Palestinian officials recommended that Mahmoud Abbas move the date by several months and continue dialogue to prepare internal conditions.

The document links expectations of improvement to the implementation of Donald Trump’s peace initiative and a UN Security Council resolution. Expected measures included international forces and Palestinian police in Gaza, Hamas disarmament and the withdrawal of Israeli troops.

Officials also anticipated US efforts to prevent further annexation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, curb settler violence and secure the release of nearly $7 billion in Palestinian funds withheld by Israel. The letter’s authors say the promised steps have not happened and conditions have deteriorated.

The last presidential and legislative elections took place in 2005–2006. Hamas subsequently took control of Gaza, ousting Abbas loyalists. Some Fatah officials favour first agreeing a common national position with Hamas and other factions. Others point to obstacles preventing ballot boxes, election documents and ink from entering Gaza.

The letter was sent to France, which recognised a Palestinian state in September 2025 and urged elections to proceed. The published report does not identify a new voting date.