The Palestinian Central Elections Committee announced the opening of registration for the 2026 legislative elections, to be held concurrently in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Registration began at 8am on September 26, 2026, and will continue for 12 days, until 4pm on October 7, 2026. The process is taking place at the committee's main office in Ramallah and its regional office in Deir al-Balah, Gaza.
According to the committee, registration for legislative council membership is only possible through electoral lists, with no individual registration accepted. Each list must have between 16 and 132 candidates, with a minimum representation of women as per the law. The registration process requires a number of documents, including a petition signed by 3,000 voters supporting the list, an electoral program, and a bank statement confirming a $20,000 insurance payment.
The committee stated that registration requests will be reviewed and verified to ensure they meet legal requirements. However, submitting a request does not guarantee its acceptance or approval. The general voting for the legislative elections is scheduled for November 28, 2026, while the election campaign will begin on November 6, 2026.
Coinciding with the start of the registration process, Israeli forces conducted raids and arrests in various areas of the West Bank. They also closed roads, affecting movement between villages and the provincial center. In the town of Qalandia, north of Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the town and arrested a Palestinian from the Shuwaika neighborhood, north of Tulkarem.
In the Bethlehem governorate, Israeli forces closed all military checkpoints at the entrances to western rural villages, preventing citizens, including pedestrians, from passing through. This led to significant disruptions in movement and daily life. Meanwhile, Palestinians and their properties were subjected to attacks by settlers in several areas of the West Bank.
The escalation of Israeli actions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip has raised concerns about the impact on the electoral process and overall stability in the region. Despite these challenges, the Palestinian Central Elections Committee remains committed to conducting the elections as scheduled.
The Palestinian legislative elections are a crucial step in the country's democratic process. With registration now open, political parties and lists are working to finalize their candidates and campaigns. The international community is closely watching the developments, emphasizing the importance of free and fair elections in the region.
Key points
- The Palestinian Central Elections Committee has opened registration for the 2026 legislative elections in both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
- Israeli forces have conducted raids and arrests in the West Bank, coinciding with the start of the registration process.
- The general voting for the legislative elections is scheduled for November 28, 2026.
