The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, described on Friday 30 April the decision to postpone the Palestinian elections, including the legislative elections originally scheduled for 22 May, as “deeply disappointing” (see EUROPE 12638/17).
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced on the night of 29-30 April a postponement of the elections due to the fact that voting could not be held in East Jerusalem (see EUROPE 12704/21). After the announcement, hundreds of people took to the streets of Ramallah to denounce the postponement.
“A new date for the elections should be set without delay”, the High Representative said in a statement.
He said that “strong, inclusive, accountable and functioning democratic Palestinian institutions” based on respect for the Rule of law and human rights were “vital for the Palestinian people, for democratic legitimacy and, ultimately, for the two-state solution”.
Mr Borrell recalled that the EU has consistently expressed its support for credible, inclusive and transparent elections for all Palestinians and stands ready to work with all parties concerned to facilitate EU observation of any election process (see EUROPE 12690/21).
The High Representative therefore “strongly” encouraged all Palestinian actors to resume their efforts to build on the successful talks between the factions over recent months. He also reiterated his call to Israel to facilitate Palestinian elections throughout the Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem (see EUROPE 12702/40).
Finally, Mr Borrell called on all actors to show calm and restraint “at this sensitive time”. For several days, communal tensions in Jerusalem have been particularly high. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)