OTTAWA — Canada, Australia, France and the United Kingdom have jointly urged the Palestinian Authority to reverse the postponement of Palestinian legislative and presidential elections until September 2027.

The four foreign ministers issued their statement Tuesday, three days after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas signed a decree cancelling legislative elections scheduled for November 28, 2026, and calling for simultaneous presidential and legislative votes on September 11, 2027.

Four countries call for reconsideration

The ministers said the delay would further erode confidence in Palestinian democratic institutions after nearly two decades without a legislative election. They called credible elections an important part of commitments by Abbas and the Palestinian Authority to democratic renewal and accountable governance.

The statement also acknowledged security and logistical obstacles affecting preparations. It called on Israel not to impede arrangements needed for eligible Palestinians to participate, including those in East Jerusalem, and said Hamas should have no role in future Palestinian governance.

The four governments did not announce sanctions or other measures tied to their request. Their intervention is a diplomatic appeal rather than a change to the September 2027 date.

Decree cites security and access

Abbas’s office and the Palestine Liberation Organization said the postponement followed consultations with Palestinian factions and reflected conditions in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. They cited insecurity, the continued presence of Israeli forces in Gaza and limits on access for election officials and international observers.

The new decree asks the Palestinian Central Elections Commission to prepare both votes for September 11, 2027. It replaces the earlier order that scheduled only the legislative election for November.

Reuters and the Associated Press reported that the parliamentary vote would have been the first in roughly two decades. The last Palestinian legislative election was held in 2006; a planned 2021 election was also postponed.

Whether the rescheduled vote can proceed will depend on political, security and access conditions across the Palestinian territories. The October 13 joint statement does not resolve those obstacles.

Sources: Global Affairs Canada, October 13; Office of the Palestinian president, October 10; WAFA: PLO Executive Committee decision; Reuters, October 10; Associated Press, October 10.

Lead image: Flag of Palestine via Wikimedia Commons, public domain. Illustrative image.