Research paper: Palestinian elections in the post-war phase — the requirements of democratic preparation and the role of youth

This paper examines the possibility of holding Palestinian elections in the current phase, amid a complex political, security and social environment marked by the continuing war and its fallout, a deepened political division, and the absence of national consensus on the shape of the transitional period. It concludes that elections cannot be separated from a broader political track aimed at rebuilding the Palestinian political system and strengthening its unity and institutions.

The paper sets out three possible scenarios: comprehensive elections should political consensus form and conditions improve; postponement until the transitional phase's requirements are completed; or recourse to partial and local elections in some areas. It also discusses the effect of the legal amendments to the elections law — particularly proportional representation — and their bearing on widening the political representation of women and youth.

The findings confirm that the current logistical and political challenges, especially in the Gaza Strip, make organising comprehensive elections exceedingly complex amid destruction, displacement and restricted movement. The paper recommends giving priority to national consensus and inclusive dialogue, strengthening civil peace, and revising the elections law to guarantee fair representation.

This paper was issued under the project «Rebuilding civil peace and resolving conflicts in Gaza», implemented by Pal-Think for Strategic Studies in partnership with the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

Download the paper (Arabic): click here