UK, France, Australia, Canada oppose postponement of Palestinian elections

The United Kingdom, France, Australia and Canada have expressed discontent over President Mahmoud Abbas’s decision to postpone Palestinian presidential and legislative council elections until September 2027.

The countries noted that nearly two decades have passed since the last legislative council elections, while five years have elapsed since the planned 2021 elections were suspended.

“An entire generation of Palestinians has reached adulthood without the opportunity to choose their elected representatives,” the foreign ministers said in a joint statement on Tuesday.

The ministers warned that the delay once again deprives Palestinians of the opportunity to vote and would further erode public confidence in democratic institutions.

While acknowledging significant obstacles to the conduct of elections, the countries commended the Central Elections Commission’s efforts to address the challenges and facilitate voter participation.

The foreign ministers reminded Abbas and the Palestinian Authority of their commitment to reforms, including democratic renewal and accountable governance, in line with the June 2025 New York Declaration.

Strengthening Palestinian governance, they added, is vital to building the institutional foundations of a viable two-state solution, which they described as “the only path to lasting peace and security for both Israel and Palestine.”

The UK, France, Australia and Canada urged the Palestinian Authority to reconsider its decision to postpone the elections and take the necessary steps to hold presidential and legislative polls without further delay.

The countries also reiterated their call on Israel to refrain from actions that could impede the conduct of elections. They further restated their longstanding position that Hamas should have no role in the future governance of Palestine.

UK, France, Australia, Canada oppose postponement of Palestinian elections