Full Breakdown
Abbas Pushes First Palestinian Legislative Election in Two Decades Amid Internal Doubts
By Drooid · · How we work
Announcement of the Planned Vote
On September 24, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas used a pre-recorded video address to the United Nations General Assembly to reaffirm his commitment to hold legislative elections on November 28, the first parliamentary poll since 2006. Abbas said the country had finished a national reform program and was moving forward with the vote despite pressure from the United States to address alleged corruption and governance failures.
International Reactions
France’s foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot urged that the elections proceed, describing them as a means for Palestinians to express their “legitimate aspiration to self-determination.” The Trump administration, continuing a visa ban imposed the previous year, announced it would deny entry to Palestinian officials for the UN meeting, citing actions it deemed aimed at “internationalizing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” Abbas rejected the measures as unlawful and called on the United States to lift the ban and support a two-state solution.
Internal Skepticism and Logistical Hurdles
Within the Palestinian Authority, senior Fatah officials have expressed doubt that the November vote can be realized. Some factions demand dialogue with rival groups, while others point to Israel’s refusal to allow ballot boxes, election papers and ink into the Gaza Strip as a practical obstacle. The Palestinian Central Election Commission has only announced that it will begin receiving candidate applications on the upcoming Saturday, and no definitive candidate list has been presented. Hamas has indicated it will participate and is negotiating a coalition that could include former Fatah leader Mohammad Dahlan.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have completed the national reform program to which we committed ourselves before our people and the international community,” — Mahmoud Abbas, palestinian president
- “We are proceeding toward legislative elections on 28 November of this year,” — Mahmoud Abbas, palestinian president
- “They must be held. They are a way for the Palestinian people to express their legitimate aspiration to self-determination and to make their voice heard, something that is unfortunately not the case today,” — Noel Barrot, foreign minister
- “Today, we warn of an even greater danger ahead, one that requires international action to stop it,” — Mahmoud Abbas, palestinian president
- “The danger is no longer limited to undermining the two-state solution and preventing the realization of a Palestinian State. It now threatens the very life and existence of the Palestinian people in their homeland.” — Mahmoud Abbas, palestinian president