Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has issued a decree to restore the number of seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council to 132, reversing a previous law that expanded the legislature to 200 members. The Palestinian Central Elections Commission confirmed the receipt of this decree, which reinstates parts of the original election law while incorporating new amendments based on its recommendations. Key provisions retained from the June amendment include lowering the minimum age for parliamentary candidates to 23 and mandating that women comprise at least 33% of candidates. The decree also includes regulations for candidate nominations, voting procedures, and the establishment of support for illiterate voters and people with disabilities. The Palestinian Legislative Council has been inactive since 2007, and parliamentary elections are now scheduled for November 28, with voter registration starting on August 15.
Why It Matters
The recent changes to the Palestinian Legislative Council mark a significant development in Palestinian governance, which has been characterized by political division since 2007, when Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip. The last parliamentary elections were held in 2006, and Abbas dissolved the legislature in 2018. This decree aims to address the stalled legislative process and re-engage the Palestinian population in democratic processes, particularly as factions like Fatah and Hamas continue to govern separate territories. With upcoming elections, the restoration of the council’s structure could influence the political landscape and the relationship between the Palestinian Authority and its constituents.
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