Canada, allies regret Palestinian election delay, urge reconsideration
The countries say the delay deprives Palestinians of a vote and is a setback for reforms.
OTTAWA · Canada and three allied nations expressed deep regret Tuesday over the Palestinian Authority's decision to postpone its presidential and legislative elections. The votes, originally scheduled for next month, have been delayed by President Mahmoud Abbas until September 2027. In a joint statement, Canada, France, the United Kingdom and Australia said the move deprives Palestinians of the chance to vote and undermines promised reforms. They called on the authority to reconsider and to take steps to hold the elections without further delay.
The statement acknowledged significant challenges to holding a vote that meets international standards, including impediments in Gaza and the West Bank. It noted that the Palestinian Central Elections Commission had made practical preparations to overcome these obstacles. The allies also called on Israel to avoid actions that could hinder the electoral process. They reiterated that Hamas, which Canada considers a terrorist group, must have no role in future Palestinian governance.
The last Palestinian legislative election was in 2006, a vote that saw Hamas win a majority of seats. Hamas seized control of Gaza in a civil war the following year and has ruled there since, while the Palestinian Authority administers the West Bank. Over the weekend, the executive committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization stated that conditions in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza are not suitable for elections. It also said Israel has blocked election materials and international observers from entering Gaza, a claim Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar dismissed on social media as "another ridiculous lie".
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Canada's recognition of Palestinian statehood in 2025 was conditional on reforms, including holding elections in 2026 where Hamas would play no part. Prime Minister Mark Carney had stated the recognition was predicated on the Palestinian Authority's commitment to these changes. Officials said at the time that Abbas had agreed to the conditions, but the authority later cautioned that elections could not happen until a year after the Gaza conflict ended. A ceasefire has held in Gaza for a year, though Human Rights Watch reports ongoing violence and aid shortages there.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the postponement, saying Canada "should not be giving aid to a government that's breaking its promise" to hold elections. He questioned sending tax dollars to what he called a "dictatorial, terrorist regime". The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs said the allied statement implies the Palestinian Authority broke a key commitment but offers no consequences. It also accused the Canadian government of suggesting Israel is to blame.
The Israeli government has been a vocal critic of Canada's recognition of Palestine. Ambassador Iddo Moed said last month the Palestinian Authority is corrupt and not serious about peaceful coexistence. Carney has said the recognition aimed to preserve a two-state solution, which Ottawa argues has been undermined by both the Israeli government and Palestinian militants like Hamas. The prime minister's office and Global Affairs Canada did not immediately comment on how the delay might affect Canada's stance on Palestinian statehood.
With files from The Canadian Press, CBC News and CityNews