Announcement of the postponement of Palestinian parliamentary and presidential elections

Coming twenty years after the last national elections in Palestine and five years after the postponement of the legislative elections scheduled for 2021, this decision once again deprives the Palestinian people of the right to democratic expression at the ballot box.

There is an urgent need for voice to be restored to the Palestinian people and for them to be able to choose their representatives in free and transparent elections, as President Abbas had committed to do. The democratic principles that are the very foundation of the State of Palestine, which France recognized, depend on it. Also at stake is the ability of the Palestinian leaders to further with renewed legitimacy the Palestinian people’s aspirations to dignity, freedom and self-determination. In this respect, Palestinian democratic elections are inseparable from the preservation of the two-state solution, to which France remains steadfastly committed.

For all these reasons, France calls on the Palestinian authorities to reconsider their decision and hold parliamentary and presidential elections throughout Palestine without delay.

France stands ready, alongside its European partners, to assist with the smooth running of this process, including as part of the European Union Election Observation Mission launched at its request. It remains prepared to support the State of Palestine’s institution building efforts, as long as the commitments made with respect to recognition are met. France will remain fully committed to supporting the Palestinian people and ensuring that their rights are respected.