# Palestinian legislative election preparations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/palestinian-legislative-election-preparations
> Updated: 2026-09-14T05:27:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

The Central Elections Commission has initiated preparations for legislative elections to be held simultaneously in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem under unified procedures. Initial steps included training electoral staff and reopening offices in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Khan Younis. To accommodate displaced voters in Gaza, the Commission planned to allow citizens to vote at the nearest polling station using their national ID, utilizing a technical mechanism to prevent duplicate voting.

As the scheduled November 28 election date approached, the Commission shifted focus toward overcoming significant logistical challenges caused by infrastructure damage in Gaza. Due to the destruction of schools and the use of facilities as shelters, officials identified over 100 potential alternative polling centers, including the potential use of tents. To bypass blockades on sensitive materials, the Commission proposed manufacturing ballot boxes and printing ballots locally within the Gaza Strip. Furthermore, because restrictions have limited the entry of international delegations, the Commission expressed intent to use video conferencing tools to facilitate oversight by international monitors. Regional director Jamil al-Khalidi called for international pressure to allow the free movement of voters and candidates and the entry of essential supplies.

While the Commission maintains it is logistically and technically ready to proceed, with more than 800 polling stations expected across all territories and over 1 million voters in Gaza, political uncertainty persists. Analysts suggest the elections could face postponement, similar to the 2021 scenario, citing the ongoing war, difficulties in ensuring access for candidates and observers, and complex political calculations regarding the participation of groups such as Hamas.

## Claims

- The Central Election Commission is preparing to hold legislative elections on November 28. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- More than 100 polling stations will be established in the Gaza Strip. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The commission plans to manufacture ballot boxes and print ballots locally within the Gaza Strip to bypass blockades. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The total number of polling stations across Palestinian territories will exceed 800. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The elections are intended to cover the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The number of voters in Gaza is expected to exceed 1 million. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- There is a possibility that the elections will be postponed due to the war in Gaza and political complexities. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-14: Palestinian Election Commission prepares for November 28 legislative elections

The Palestinian Central Election Commission plans to hold legislative elections on November 28, preparing over 100 polling stations in Gaza and using local manufacturing to bypass blockades.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gaza-elections-commission-prepares-local-alternatives-for-november-28-vote

### 2026-08-26: Central Elections Commission prepares for Gaza and West Bank elections

The Central Elections Commission is coordinating simultaneous legislative election preparations in Gaza and the West Bank, including staff training and new office openings to manage nominations starting Sept 26

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/central-elections-commission-prepares-for-gaza-and-west-bank-elections

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Cite as: Palestinian legislative election preparations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/palestinian-legislative-election-preparations
