Mohammed Dahlan criticizes Mahmoud Abbas over election postponement

Mohammed Dahlan, a former Fatah movement leader, has issued a sharp critique of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas following the decision to postpone elections for a second time. Dahlan described the postponement as a “heinous crime against democracy” and an act that confiscates the will of the Palestinian people.

Dahlan accused Abbas and his inner circle of transforming Palestinian Authority institutions into a “private fiefdom” and failing to maintain legal, moral, or constitutional legitimacy for fifteen years. He further alleged widespread financial, administrative, and political corruption within the leadership. Dahlan suggested the decision to delay the vote was driven by a “fear of defeat.”

In his statement, Dahlan also claimed that Abbas has misled the international community, specifically mentioning unfulfilled promises made to French President Emmanuel Macron. He emphasized that the delay disproportionately affects Palestinian youth by denying them the right to participate in political life. In response, Dahlan announced intentions to expand dialogue with various national and political forces to form a pressure front, primarily driven by the youth, and called on the international community to reassess its stance on the current Palestinian leadership.