The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom have issued a joint statement expressing deep regret regarding the Palestinian President's decision to postpone the Palestinian Legislative Council elections and Presidential elections to September 2027.
This postponement means nearly two decades will have passed since the last Palestinian Legislative Council elections, and five years since the planned 2021 elections were also delayed. The ministers stated that this delay will be deeply disappointing and will further erode public confidence in democratic institutions, depriving Palestinians of the opportunity to vote.
The ministers acknowledged significant challenges to conducting elections in line with international standards and with the participation of all eligible Palestinians. They commended the Central Elections Commission for its work in preparing for the elections.
They reiterated their call on the Palestinian Authority to reconsider the decision and take necessary steps to hold elections without further delay. They also called on Israel to refrain from actions that could impede the conduct of elections, including practical arrangements for all Palestinians to participate. The ministers also reiterated their position that Hamas can have no role in the future governance of Palestine.