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Palestinian elections delay 'a terrible disappointment', says activist Samer Sinijlawi
Palestinian activist Samer Sinijlawi called the postponement of the first Palestinian legislative elections in 20 years to September 2027 'a terrible disappointment', speaking from Jerusalem in a FRANCE 24 interview published on 15 October 2026.
By Haut Monde Post
• October 15, 2026
• 2 Min Read
A generation left waiting
Speaking from Jerusalem, the activist told FRANCE 24 that the Palestinian elections delay deprives a generation that has never had a chance to vote. The polls, the first legislative elections in 20 years, are now set for September 2027. He made the remarks in an interview published on 15 October 2026 as part of FRANCE 24's Tête-à-Tête programme.
a terrible disappointment
A written pledge to Macron, unmet
According to Sinijlawi, President Mahmoud Abbas had pledged in writing to French President Emmanuel Macron and other world leaders to hold elections by June 2026. He said Paris rallied 15 countries to recognise a Palestinian state on the condition of reform and elections, and judged that 'President Macron has delivered the goods'.
- •Abbas gave the pledge in writing to Macron and other world leaders
- •The pledge set June 2026 as the election date
- •15 countries recognised a Palestinian state on the condition of reform and elections
Who he blames, and what follows
Sinijlawi dismissed Israeli restrictions cited for the postponement as an excuse, blaming instead a rejection of change among ageing Palestinian leaders. He named Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh as the main driver, saying he 'has been leading this effort in a very public way'. He warned that taxpayers in donor countries may refuse to fund a system that is refusing elections, adding: 'I am sure there will be consequences'.
The elections are now scheduled for September 2027.
