Palestine Opens Registration for November Legislative Elections

The Palestinian Central Elections Commission opened a 12-day registration period on September 26 for electoral lists intending to contest legislative elections on November 28. Registration is being conducted at the commission's headquarters in Al-Bireh and its office in Deir al-Balah.

Under current law, candidates are prohibited from running individually and must instead form lists consisting of 16 to 132 members, while adhering to specific women's representation requirements. President Mahmoud Abbas established the election date by decree in July, with presidential elections expected to follow in the first quarter of 2027.

These elections represent the first legislative vote since 2006, when a Hamas majority victory triggered a political rift with Fatah. The Palestinian Legislative Council has remained inactive since 2007 and was formally dissolved by the Supreme Constitutional Court in 2018. Reports vary regarding the size of the upcoming council, with conflicting figures suggesting either 132 or 200 seats.