Elections in Palestine

Elections for the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) were held in Palestinian Autonomous areas from 1994 until their transition into the State of Palestine in 2013. Elections were scheduled to be held in 2009 per the state's own laws, but the Next Palestinian general election was disrupted amidst a conflict between Hamas and Fatah. President Mahmoud Abbas agreed to stay on until the next election, but he is recognised only in the West Bank and not in Gaza. The Palestinian National Authority has held several elections in the Palestinian territories, including elections for a president, legislature and local councils.

The Palestinian Legislative Council passed a new law in June 2005 (signed by Mahmoud Abbas on 13 August 2005), increasing the number of members from 88 to 132. It stipulates that half be elected under a system of proportional representation and half by plurality-at-large voting in traditional constituencies. In 2007, the voting system was changed by Presidential Decree to abolish the constituency seats, and also prohibiting parties from contesting the election which did not acknowledge the PLO's right to represent the Palestinian people (specifically Hamas). An opinion poll suggested that a majority of Palestinians supported the change, while Hamas called it illegal.

The PNA has a multi-party system, with numerous parties. In this system Fatah was the dominant party. The first Legislative and presidential election were held in 1996; the first local elections in January–May 2005, organized by PNA president Yasser Arafat before his death. Previous (failed) legislative Council elections were held in 1923 under the British Mandate. Previous municipal elections were held in 1972 and 1976 and were organized by the Israeli occupational government.

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