Abbas Extends Palestinian Election Nomination Period to 18 Days
Mahmoud Abbas extended Palestinian election nominations to 18 days, aiming to overcome logistical obstacles for the first vote in 20 years.
Jerusalem, 27 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday issued a decree extending the nomination period for general elections from 12 to 18 days.
Abbas also reiterated plans to hold legislative elections on November 28, the first such vote in 20 years, despite doubts over whether the election will proceed. He seeks to advance reforms backed by the international community and major donors, who have tied financial assistance and diplomatic support to improvements in governance, transparency and public finances.
According to Ramallah, the extension reflects “difficult realities” facing Palestinians, including movement restrictions linked to the security and political situation in eastern Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and the Gaza Strip.
The longer nomination period is intended to give electoral lists and candidates more time to overcome geographic and logistical obstacles and submit their official papers to the Central Elections Commission. The decree took effect upon issuance.