PARIS / PNN / 

France on Sunday expressed regret over the decision by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to postpone legislative elections scheduled for Nov. 28, 2026, until September 2027, as well as presidential elections that had been planned for early 2027.

Twenty years after the last Palestinian national elections and five years after legislative elections scheduled for 2021 were postponed, the decision once again deprives Palestinians of the opportunity to express their democratic will through the ballot box, the French government said.

France called for Palestinians to be given the opportunity to choose their representatives through free and transparent elections as soon as possible, in line with commitments made by Abbas.

The issue concerns respect for democratic principles that underpin the State of Palestine, which France has recognized, as well as the ability of Palestinian leaders to represent the aspirations of their people for dignity, freedom and self-determination with renewed legitimacy, the statement said.

France added that renewing Palestinian democratic life was inseparable from preserving the two-state solution, to which it remains firmly committed.

The French government urged Palestinian authorities to reverse the decision and organize legislative and presidential elections across all Palestinian territories at the earliest possible date.

France said it was prepared to work with European partners to help ensure the elections are conducted properly, including through the European Union Election Observation Mission, launched at France’s request.

It also reiterated its readiness to support efforts to strengthen Palestinian state institutions, provided commitments made in connection with France’s recognition of the State of Palestine are fulfilled.

France said it would continue its full commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and working to ensure their rights are respected.