ByDANA BEN-SHIMON

JULY 18, 2026 11:49

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas recently declared legislative elections set for November 28, stirring activity across the Palestinian political landscape and leading politicians, activists, and hopeful candidates to start quiet preparations while considering possible alliances.

Private discussions continue on forming candidate lists, identifying runners, and envisioning the makeup of the upcoming parliament.

Although some Palestinians regard the expected ballot as a path to renewal and progress, others express uncertainty about future developments.

In contrast to the parliamentary vote, no date has been set for the presidential contest; Abbas indicated only that it would occur in early 2027.

Critics contend that his choice to hold legislative council elections ahead of the presidential race represents a deliberate strategy to strengthen his authority and assess the political environment before committing to a presidential contest.

Abbas concerned over possible presidential loss to Fatah or Hamas challengers

"Abbas favors this election sequence because he worries about losing the presidency to opponents from within Fatah or Hamas," critics noted. Simultaneous presidential and legislative elections have also been a longstanding Hamas request.

Palestinian analyst, intellectual, and human rights activist Omar Rahal clarified that Abbas intends to review the results of the parliament ballot prior to advancing any presidential contest.

"He wants to observe how the legislative council takes shape and which groups secure the most seats," Rahal told The Jerusalem Post.

"Should Abbas's opponents secure notable backing, he could still have room to adjust and possibly postpone a presidential vote," he said. "Yet if he holds a presidential vote first and is defeated, options to correct or undo the outcome would be limited," Rahal observed.

Hamas has not formally indicated whether it will boycott or join the elections. Rahal suggested Hamas would probably steer clear of open involvement, partly due to anticipated Israeli measures against its members or backers such as detentions and limitations.

He also referenced Abbas's recent legal change requiring candidates to pledge support for PLO policies and programs, including the Oslo Accords and recognition of Israel, positions Hamas opposes.

Rahal noted this rule could restrict Hamas involvement yet has also generated frustration among segments of the West Bank public, given the group's role in social and political life.

One possibility highlighted by Rahal and other observers is that Hamas might refrain from fielding official members while still backing preferred independent candidates.

Another important question concerns whether leading Fatah figures, under Abbas's leadership, will create separate lists, potentially heightening internal strains.

Rahal explained that while official Fatah members cannot run on lists other than the main one headed by Abbas, he cannot block former Fatah figures or affiliates from running as independents.

"Separate lists are likely to appear from those aligned with Fatah but outside its senior bodies," he said. Attention also centers on Mohammad Dahlan, a major Fatah rival to Abbas.

"Even without Dahlan running personally, his backers are expected to present a list," Rahal said, with similar expectations for Marwan Barghouti, a Fatah leader serving five life sentences in an Israeli prison for involvement in attacks during the Second Intifada.

"Barghouti's associates might also run or form a list, although he is viewed more as a figure for future presidential contests than the legislative one," Rahal added.

Palestinian observers noted likely disputes over the official Fatah list composition, with some suggesting "Abbas will probably determine the official Fatah candidates and finalize the slate."

Rahal assessed that Fatah members and affiliates, along with independents such as academics, would likely form the largest group in the new parliament.

He added that "the public generally welcomes the announced vote, anticipating broader representation for different groups."

A decree from Abbas increased Palestinian Legislative Council seats to 200, reduced the electoral threshold to 1 percent, and raised the minimum candidates per list to 20 from 16.

Questions persist on whether November vote will occur

Yet some question if the ballot will proceed, arguing that "if Abbas sees the vote as exposing him to any rival challenges, he will find a means to postpone it."

"Abbas is maneuvering for personal advantage," a Palestinian political activist told the Post, referencing the 2021 elections Abbas announced then canceled citing Israeli restrictions on voting in east Jerusalem.

"We have seen this before," the activist said. "He announced the vote knowing public anger over his recent effort to add his son Yasser Abbas to Fatah's central committee. He is attempting to redirect focus and reduce discussion of that matter," the activist charged.

Abbas's decree urged "the Palestinian people in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip to take part in free and direct elections."

Israeli consent needed for voting

Rahal observed that Israeli approval is necessary for voting in east Jerusalem and Gaza, and "without it the process risks disruption."

Another possibility raised by Rahal and observers is that, unlike 2021, Abbas might hold legislative elections this time even if voting in east Jerusalem and Gaza occurs only partially or symbolically.

Under present conditions, they noted, the vote is viewed as vital to show Abbas's commitment to restoring legitimacy at home and abroad, and also "to prevent Israelis from claiming the PA is corrupt and not a viable partner."

"Abbas seeks to show seriousness to the US administration, which has tied future progress on Palestinian statehood and post-Gaza involvement to genuine reforms," Rahal said.

He added that "the PA wants to remove any pretext used by the right-wing Israeli government that Palestinians block peace and that the two-state solution should be set aside."