RAMALLAH, June 4, 2026 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas ratified the electoral system for the Palestinian National Council (PNC) for 2026, following its approval by the PLO Executive Committee, according to the Presidency.
The Presidency said in a press statement that the ratified electoral system aims to regulate the mechanism for electing the PNC in Palestine and across the diaspora, while enhancing democratic participation for Palestinians wherever they reside.
It added that PNC members will be elected through general, free, and direct elections by secret ballot under a full proportional representation system based on electoral lists. The Palestinian Territory will constitute a single electoral constituency, while each area in which Palestinians reside in the diaspora and where elections are held will be considered an independent electoral constituency.
The electoral system sets the total number of PNC members at 350, including 200 members representing the Palestinian Territory constituency and 150 members representing Palestinians abroad and in the diaspora.
The Presidency noted that the system stipulates that the number of seats allocated to diaspora constituencies may not be altered or reduced for any reason. Representatives of both the Palestinian Territory and the diaspora communities shall be elected through direct voting under a full proportional representation list system.
It further explained that in cases where elections cannot be held in any diaspora constituency, members will be selected through an electoral assembly or by consensus among the components of the Palestinian community in that area, or through consensus and appointment in accordance with the provisions of the electoral system.
The Presidency affirmed that the electoral system regulates the relationship between the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) and the PNC on the basis of functional integration and institutional coordination, while preserving the independence and respective mandates of each body. It also stipulates that elected members of the PLC shall serve as members of the PNC for the duration of their term, with their membership counted within the seats allocated to the Palestinian Territory, without increasing the total number of PNC members.
It added that should elections for both the PLC and the PNC be held simultaneously, the seats allocated to the Palestinian Territoriy will automatically be filled by the elected members of the PLC.
The Presidency stressed that the adoption of the new electoral system comes within the framework of developing the institutional structure of the PLO and renewing the legitimacy of its representative institutions, ensuring the participation of Palestinians in Palestine and the diaspora in selecting their representatives through a unified and modern electoral framework.
It noted that the move forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Palestinian democratic life and expand public participation in national decision-making through regular and transparent elections that guarantee representation for Palestinians at home and abroad.
Elections for the PNC are scheduled to be held on November 1, 2026, marking an important national milestone in renewing the institutions of the PLO and reinforcing the principles of democracy, pluralism, and national partnership.
K.F.
