Rajoub challenges Abu Mazen: PA Chairman elections must precede Legislative Council vote
A senior Fatah official expressed uncertainty regarding the upcoming elections in the Palestinian Authority. He argued that reaching a consensus on the PA Chairman is essential to bolster internal legitimacy.
A challenge to Abu Mazen: Senior Fatah official Jibril Rajoub stated on Tuesday at a public conference that elections for the Chairman of the Palestinian Authority must be held before the elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council.
"First of all, we should hold presidential elections and agree on a national figure with everyone. It is less expensive and will consolidate more Palestinian national legitimacy," said Rajoub.
According to him, he is personally opposed to a presidential regime and favors a parliamentary one. "But if the system is presidential, then you must start with presidential elections, then proceed to the Legislative Council elections, and subsequently formulate a program for the PLO."
He added: "I hope the elections will take place, but I am not certain they will. And if they do occur, what is our objective? This is the fundamental question. I maintain that elections should serve as a means to anchor the national project, the state project, and the end of the occupation, rather than being a project for an individual, a faction, or a political movement, including Fatah."
The elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council are scheduled for November 28, 2026. Conversely, the elections for the Chairman of the Palestinian Authority are slated for early 2027, with no specific date yet defined.
