Palestinian 2026 legislative election preparations

The Palestinian Central Election Commission (CEC) has initiated the voter registration and information update process for the legislative elections scheduled for November 28, 2026. This process marks the first general election in the region in 20 years.

In the West Bank, the CEC established 467 registration centers across cities, towns, and refugee camps. Registration is available both in person and online. As the registration deadline approached on August 19, the commission reported high registration rates, noting that the registry included over 1.6 million individuals, representing approximately 85% to 86% of eligible voters. Thousands of citizens added their names to the rolls, while tens of thousands verified existing data and polling stations.

Specific protocols have been established for Gaza and Jerusalem. Residents of the Gaza Strip are to be automatically enrolled via the Palestinian Population Registry to account for recent displacements. For Jerusalem residents, while no registration centers will open within the city, the CEC has stated that their right to vote and run for office is guaranteed, with polling stations to be located on the city's outskirts.

Following the registration period, the CEC has shifted focus toward implementation and outreach. CEC Chairman Rami Hamadallah has met with Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh to discuss the implementation timeline and challenges regarding holding elections in Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, specifically focusing on diplomatic efforts to mitigate Israeli restrictions. In the Gaza Strip, the CEC is conducting community outreach, training programs for youth and civil society, and coordinating with the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate to ensure professional media coverage.