Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was unanimously re-elected leader of the Fatah movement at its eighth general congress held in Ramallah from May 14 to May 16, 2026 [1, 2]. The congress took place over three days, with sessions held simultaneously in Gaza, Cairo, and Beirut to include members across geographic fragmentation [1, 3, 2].
About 2,580 Fatah members participated in elections for the central committee and Revolutionary Council during the congress [3]. The event marked the first Fatah general congress in 10 years, delayed from its original 2021 schedule amid ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict [1, 3].
At 90 years old, Abbas pledged reforms within the Palestinian Authority and committed to holding long-delayed presidential and parliamentary elections, though he did not provide a specific timetable [1, 3]. "This year is the year of democracy," Abbas said. He added that the party is preparing for Palestinian National Council elections in November and working on drafting laws governing general and presidential elections [3].
Fatah faces pressure from the US, EU, and Arab states to address accusations of corruption and political stagnation by implementing credible reforms and elections [1]. Analysts say the congress also allowed Abbas to consolidate leadership control and install loyalists to manage a future leadership transition [3].
Potential successors to Abbas include senior figures like Jibril Rajoub and Hussein al-Sheikh [1]. Rajoub said the conference would help secure Palestine’s international position and protect the Palestine Liberation Organization as the sole legitimate representative of Palestinians [1].
Abbas cast his ballot in the internal leadership elections at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah on May 16, with official results expected Saturday evening [3]. The congress closed after reaffirming Abbas’s leadership and pledging reforms and elections aimed at addressing internal and external demands ahead of upcoming political milestones.
