Abbas faces pressure over whether to postpone long-delayed Palestinian elections

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas faces mounting pressure regarding whether to postpone the long-delayed Palestinian Legislative Council elections, which would end the council's 16-year expired mandate. Senior Fatah officials reportedly believe Abbas will postpone due to concerns that Mohammed Dahlan's camp could gain significant political control, with PA Deputy Chairman Hussein al-Sheikh advocating for postponement, citing difficulties in holding elections in Gaza and East Jerusalem.

PLC elections could allow for PA leadership referendum

However, European officials, including French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, are pushing for the elections to proceed, with France reportedly requesting the EU send monitors for the November vote. Abbas had previously vowed to hold elections as part of a deal for state recognition. Analyst Yoni Ben Menachem suggests that postponing could allow Abbas to address internal Fatah divisions, while holding them could serve as a referendum on the PA's unpopular leadership. The ongoing PA legitimacy crisis means any postponement might appear as if Fatah fears the election's outcome.