Mahmoud Abbas, the 91-year-old Palestinian Authority president whose term expired years ago, faces mounting pressure from domestic unpopularity and planned elections. Recent reports highlight his September 2026 reaffirmation of legislative voting on November 28—the first in two decades—alongside presidential elections slated for 2027, though Fatah divisions, Gaza access barriers, and Hamas-led coalitions involving figures like Mohammad Dahlan cast doubt on timelines. Abbas designated Hussein al-Sheikh as interim successor in a 2025 constitutional decree, while polls indicate widespread calls for his resignation. These factors, including potential challenges from imprisoned Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti and international reform demands, shape trader assessments of leadership transition risks amid ongoing factional negotiations and institutional uncertainties.