Australia urges Palestinian Authority to hold elections without further delay

Australia has criticised the postponement of Palestinian legislative elections and urged the Palestinian Authority to hold a vote without further delay, a spokesperson for Foreign Minister Penny Wong told the Sydney Morning Herald.

The spokesperson said credible elections were part of the authority’s commitments on reform, democratic renewal and accountable government. Australia described the postponement as deeply disappointing and warned that continued delays undermined prospects for a two-state solution.

President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree on October 10, 2026, setting simultaneous presidential and legislative elections for September 11, 2027. His official website confirmed that it repealed the earlier decree scheduling the legislative vote for November 28, 2026.

The Palestinian leadership cited Israeli restrictions and the devastation in Gaza as reasons for postponing the vote. The last legislative election was held in 2006.

Australia recognised Palestinian statehood last year. The spokesperson indicated that practical steps such as opening embassies would depend on the Palestinian Authority meeting its commitments. This does not amount to a withdrawal of recognition.