KUWAIT CITY, September 6, 2026 (WAFA) — The first two representatives of the Palestinian community in Kuwait were elected to the new Palestinian National Council (PNC) from abroad, marking the first election of its kind following President Mahmoud Abbas' decision on July 19, 2025, to hold elections for a new National Council.

Hisham Ibrahim and Saleh Qannam won seats on the new council after receiving the highest number of votes in an election conducted under the electoral college system, with nine candidates taking part.

The election was held at the Embassy of the State of Palestine in Kuwait during a meeting of the Follow-up Committee for the Palestinian National Council Elections in Kuwait. The committee includes Fatah Central Committee member Yasser Abbas and Palestinian Central Council member Ahmad Assaf, along with representatives of the Palestinian community, in the presence of Palestinian Ambassador to Kuwait Rami Tahboub.

The meeting opened with the recitation of Al-Fatiha and a minute of silence for the martyrs of Palestine, followed by the playing of the Palestinian and Kuwaiti national anthems.

Following the opening remarks, an election committee was formed and nominations were opened for membership in the new Palestinian National Council representing Palestinians abroad. Nine candidates stood for election under the electoral college system in Kuwait.

The Follow-up Committee for the National Council Elections has said that the selection of council members abroad will follow several tracks. The process begins with direct elections among Palestinian communities in countries where such voting is possible. Where direct elections cannot be held, the electoral college system will be used in accordance with the National Council’s electoral regulations. If neither elections nor an electoral college can be organized, consensus will be pursued under the approved National Council election system.

M.N