Palestinian Elections: Scheduled for 2021 After 15-Year Hiatus
First Legislative Elections in Over a Decade
The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) has scheduled legislative and presidential elections for 2021, marking the first such elections in the Palestinian territories in over 15 years. The legislative elections are set for May 22, while the presidential election is scheduled for July 31.
Presidential Decree Issued
President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree on January 15, 2021, setting the dates for both elections. The decree also reconstituted the Central Elections Committee (CEC), which will oversee the electoral process. The CEC is composed of 17 members representing various political factions and civil society organizations.
The last Palestinian legislative elections were held in 2006. The elections, which were won by the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), were widely seen as a setback for the PNA. President Abbas has since repeatedly postponed elections, citing the ongoing conflict with Israel and the division between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
The upcoming elections will be a major test for the PNA. They will be the first time that Hamas and other opposition groups are allowed to participate in elections in the West Bank. The elections will also serve as a barometer of public support for President Abbas and his policies.
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