Will Mahmoud Abbas actually let Palestinians vote? Critics say he's testing the waters first

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has announced legislative elections for November 28, prompting quiet preparations among politicians and activists. Critics, however, view this as a strategic move to test the political climate and secure his rule before a presidential election in early 2027. According to analyst Omar Rahal, "Abbas prefers to do it in this order of elections because he fears losing the presidency to his rivals, whether from Fatah or Hamas."

• Hamas's participation is uncertain due to potential Israeli crackdowns and Abbas's amendment requiring candidates to commit to PLO policies, including recognizing Israel.
• Prominent Fatah figures like Mohammad Dahlan and Marwan Barghouti are expected to support independent lists, even if not running themselves.
• Abbas has increased the Palestinian Legislative Council to 200 members, lowered the electoral threshold to 1%, and raised the minimum candidates per list to 20.
• Doubts persist about whether the elections will actually occur, with some critics suggesting Abbas might delay them if they pose a challenge to his authority, as seen in 2021.

Despite these concerns, the elections are seen as crucial for Abbas to signal his intent for renewal and legitimacy, both domestically and internationally, and to demonstrate seriousness to the US administration regarding reforms.