Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has announced that legislative elections will be held on November 28, paving the way for the first parliamentary vote in the Palestinian territories in nearly 20 years.

According to Arab media reports, the elections will take place across the occupied West Bank, occupied East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. The announcement is being viewed as a significant political development amid ongoing divisions between major Palestinian factions.

The last Palestinian Legislative Council elections were held in 2006. Those elections resulted in a divided political landscape, with Fatah securing support in the West Bank while Hamas emerged victorious in Gaza. The outcome deepened political tensions and contributed to years of rivalry between the two movements.

Analysts say the upcoming vote could play a crucial role in reshaping Palestinian politics and determining the future balance of power within Palestinian institutions. Many observers believe the elections may also influence efforts aimed at national unity and governance reforms.

The announcement comes at a time when Palestinians continue to face political, economic, and security challenges. International observers are expected to closely monitor the electoral process, particularly in areas where voting arrangements may be affected by the broader regional situation.

Questions remain about candidate lists, voter participation, and whether all political groups will fully take part in the election. Election authorities are expected to release further details in the coming weeks.

If the elections proceed as planned, they will mark a historic moment for Palestinian democracy, giving millions of voters an opportunity to choose new representatives for the first time since 2006.