The French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, announced on Wednesday that Palestinians "must" hold new elections. These remarks come as international concerns about the potential delay of these elections due to logistical challenges have increased.
Necessity of Holding Elections
Barrot stressed that the Palestinian elections must be held by any means possible, adding: "They must certainly be held." He pointed out that the Palestinian legal elections were scheduled for November of this year, and the presidential elections for the first quarter of 2027.
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For the first time in two decades, Palestinians are set to hold legal elections on November 28. These elections will take place one month after the tense Israeli elections, but there are many doubts about their possibility. Jibril Rajoub, a senior Palestinian official, recently stated that discussions on how to conduct these elections are necessary.
Political Background of Palestine
Mahmoud Abbas, the President of Palestine, who is currently 90 years old, has been ruling temporarily by presidential decree since the end of his term in 2009. He announced in June that he intends to hold presidential elections in early 2027.
Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic movement, won the last legal Palestinian elections held in 2006, defeating the Fatah party led by Mahmoud Abbas. Following this victory, the Palestinian Legislative Council, which is the parliament of the Palestinian Authority and is responsible for much of the West Bank, has not convened since 2007.
Hamas has controlled Gaza since 2007. On October 7, 2023, Hamas carried out one of the deadliest attacks in history against Israel, leading to a severe Israeli response and devastation in Gaza.
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