Mahmoud Abbas, who has led the Palestinian Authority since 2005 without facing voters since his initial term, remains in office amid scheduled legislative elections set for November 28, 2026, and presidential voting planned for early 2027. Recent developments include his July decree calling the votes—the first legislative contest in two decades—alongside ongoing Fatah internal reforms, his son Yasser’s election to the party’s Central Committee in May, and the designation of Hussein al-Sheikh as interim successor in case of vacancy. Abbas, now over 90, continues diplomatic activity, including September 2026 talks in Cairo with Egyptian President Sisi on reconciliation and Gaza, while facing repeated U.S. visa denials for UN appearances. Widespread Palestinian polling shows strong desire for his resignation, yet past election postponements and factional maneuvering create uncertainty over whether a transition will occur by any specific deadline.