The United Kingdom, France, Canada and Australia...a joint statement regretting the postponement of the Palestinian elections

On Tuesday, France, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement in which they expressed their “deep regret” over the decision of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to postpone the Legislative Council and presidential elections to September 2027. The countries said in the statement: “Nearly two decades have passed since the previous Legislative Council elections were held, and five years since the postponement of the elections planned for 2021.”

An entire generation of Palestinians has reached adulthood without having had the opportunity to choose their elected representatives. The statement considered that “this delay will be deeply disappointing, will once again deprive Palestinians of the opportunity to vote, and will further erode confidence in democratic institutions.”

The four countries also indicated that they realize that "major challenges and obstacles have affected the ability to hold elections in a manner fully consistent with international standards, and with the participation of all qualified Palestinians. We commend the important efforts made by the Central Elections Committee in making practical preparations to overcome these challenges and facilitate voter participation."

The statement continued: "We will continue to support efforts to hold these elections. We have renewed our call on Israel to refrain from actions that could hinder the holding of the elections, including the practical arrangements necessary for the participation of all Palestinians in the elections."

The countries also stressed that "Hamas cannot have any role in the future of governance in Palestine." The President of the Palestinian Authority announced the holding of simultaneous parliamentary and presidential elections on September 11, 2027, extending his term, which officially ended 17 years ago.

In a decree issued on Saturday, Abbas called on Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem to participate in the elections scheduled to be held next year. The decree pointed to a number of obstacles preventing elections this year, most of which are related to Israeli policies.

The decree postponed the legislative elections that were scheduled to be held next month, and also set a new date for holding the presidential elections.