European Union criticizes postponement of Palestinian elections

The European Union and several international partners have criticized the Palestinian Authority for postponing legislative and presidential elections until September 11, 2027. The decision delays the legislative elections, originally scheduled for November 28, and the presidential vote, which was expected in early 2027.

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, expressed regret over the decision, stating that “democratic and transparent elections” are “long overdue.” She emphasized that Palestinians must be able to elect their own leadership and representatives.

In a joint statement, foreign ministers from Australia, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom expressed similar concerns, warning that the delay undermines confidence in democratic institutions. They noted that an entire generation of Palestinians has reached adulthood without the chance to vote for their representatives.

Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas cited Israeli restrictions, security concerns, and deteriorating conditions in the Palestinian territories, including Gaza, as the primary obstacles to holding free and fair elections.