Before the local elections planned for April, Palestinian President Abbas declared: Only candidates who are committed to the principles of the PLO are allowed to take part.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has signed a decree that could de facto exclude Hamas and PFLP (Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine) from the upcoming local elections. It says: Anyone who wants to run as a candidate must “commit to the Palestine Liberation Organization as the only legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, to its political and national program”.
The program of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) includes, among other things, the recognition of Israel and the commitment to a two-state solution. Hamas, for example, which acts as both a party and a militia, has so far refused to do so.
The next elections in the Palestinian territories are scheduled for the end of April 2026. The Palestinians in the West Bank and in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, will elect new local councils. From February 23rd, potential candidates can register as such for one week. The last elections at the municipal level in the Palestinian territories took place in winter 2021 and spring 2022. At that time, Hamas refused to take part.
Hamas still enjoys support
Several strategic considerations could underlie the January 27 decree:
On the one hand, that about after Erhebung des Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research Hamas is still more popular than President Abbas and his Fatah party. Despite the war with its catastrophic humanitarian consequences in the Gaza Strip, which Hamas is attacking with its Attack in Israel in autumn 2023 lostrat.
In spring 2025, only 12 percent of respondents said they would vote for Abbas in the presidential election. While 32 percent said they would vote for a Hamas candidate. At the party level, 18 percent of respondents in the West Bank said they supported Fatah and 29 percent said they supported Hamas. A strengthening of Hamas in the West Bank – even at the local level – is certainly not in President Abbas’ interest.
On the other hand, the decree is likely to be a signal to the international community and especially to the USA: that the commitment to the two-state solution and the acceptance of the Israeli state in Palestinian politics is no longer negotiable.
Together for a free press
As a cooperative, we belong to our readers. And our journalism is not only 100% non-corporate, but also accessible free of charge. We make all articles freely available, without a paywall. Especially in these times, classifications and information must be accessible to everyone. Our readers don’t have to pay anything, but they know that critical, independent journalism doesn’t emerge from nothing. We are very grateful for that. So that we can continue to do our journalism tomorrow, we need more support. Our next goal: 50,000 – and with your participation we can do it. Set an example for the taz and for the future of our journalism. With just 5 euros you are there!
Support now