Story perspectives

Abbas Calls Nov 28 Election, Expands Seats, Faces Hamas Threats

7/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

International donors pressure the Palestinian Authority, prompting President Mahmoud Abbas to call November 28 elections.
Abbas expands the legislature to 200 seats, lowers candidate age to 23, and requires a one-third women quota.
Hamas warns candidates risk arrest in the West Bank and assassination in Gaza, so it backs independent candidates.
Marwan Barghouti, top poll favorite, is rallying support for the vote and plans a presidential run despite rules.

History

Historical Context

The first Palestinian Legislative Council election on 20 January 1996, held under the 1995 Election Law, gave Fatah 62 of 88 seats while Hamas boycotted. A 2005 amendment raised seats to 132 and introduced proportional representation. Today, President Mahmoud Abbas proposes further reforms as a new vote scheduled for 28 November could reshape participation and peace talks.

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Story summary

International donors pressure the Palestinian Authority, prompting President Mahmoud Abbas to call November 28 elections.
Abbas expands the legislature to 200 seats, lowers candidate age to 23, and requires a one-third women quota.
Hamas warns candidates risk arrest in the West Bank and assassination in Gaza, so it backs independent candidates.
Marwan Barghouti, top poll favorite, is rallying support for the vote and plans a presidential run despite rules.

1 / 2