Penny Wong says postponing elections until September 2027 undermines prospects for a two-state solution, as critics question the assurances underpinning Australia’s recognition of Palestine.
The Albanese government has expressed deep disappointment over the Palestinian Authority’s decision to postpone elections until September 2027, renewing questions about democratic reform and the commitments made to Australia ahead of its recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree delaying Palestinian Legislative Council elections, originally scheduled for 28 November 2026, until 11 September 2027, according to reports citing the official Palestinian news agency WAFA. Presidential elections, which have not been held since Abbas won in 2005, are also scheduled for the new date.
A spokesperson for Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the decision was deeply disappointing and called on the Palestinian Authority to hold elections without further delay.
“Credible elections are an important element of the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to the international community on reform, democratic renewal and accountable governance,” the spokesperson said.
“Continuing to delay elections undermines the prospects of a two-state solution.”
The government’s response comes after Australia made its recognition of Palestinian statehood in 2025 amid international efforts to advance a two-state solution. Abbas had previously committed to holding elections under international supervision, with democratic renewal forming part of the wider reform agenda.
The postponement has raised questions about whether the Palestinian Authority will fulfil those commitments and what consequences Australia might consider if further delays occur.
The government has indicated that practical steps towards recognition, including opening embassies, remain linked to the Palestinian Authority meeting its commitments.
Coalition questions Albanese’s judgement
Coalition foreign affairs spokesman Ted O’Brien criticised the government’s decision to recognise Palestine before key conditions had been delivered.
“The promise of democratic elections gave Labor’s premature recognition of Palestine a veneer of legitimacy, and now that veneer has been stripped away,” Mr O’Brien said.
He called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to explain the status of the assurances received from Abbas and clarify what action the government would take if elections were not held next year or Hamas was not disarmed and excluded from the process.
The Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council also criticised the postponement. Executive director Colin Rubenstein said the Palestinian Authority had failed to honour commitments made to Australia and should be held accountable.
The Palestinian delegation in Canberra had not responded to a request for comment at the time of reporting.
Abbas cites Israeli restrictions and destruction in Gaza
Palestinian officials have attributed the delay to conditions in the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem, including Israeli restrictions and the destruction caused by the war in Gaza.
The Palestine Liberation Organization’s Executive Committee has alleged that Israel blocked election materials and international observers from entering Gaza.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar rejected the allegations, accusing Abbas of attempting to shift responsibility for the postponement.
Hamas welcomed the delay, describing it as a step in the right direction and calling for further discussions about rebuilding Palestinian institutions before elections take place.
Nearly two decades without legislative elections
The last Palestinian legislative elections were held in 2006, when Hamas won a majority of seats. The subsequent political conflict culminated in Hamas taking control of Gaza in 2007, while the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority continued to administer parts of the West Bank.
Abbas, now 90, has remained in power despite the expiration of the term for which he was elected and mounting criticism of the Palestinian Authority over governance, corruption and its relationship with Israel.
He also postponed elections in 2021, citing concerns including Israel’s refusal to guarantee voting arrangements in east Jerusalem.
The latest delay has renewed concerns about political accountability and the Palestinian public’s ability to choose its representatives. It also comes as the future governance of Gaza remains uncertain under a US-brokered ceasefire framework.
France has also criticised the postponement. Its Foreign Ministry said the decision once again deprived Palestinians of the right to express their democratic choices at the ballot box and urged the Palestinian Authority to reconsider.
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