Palestinian President Abbas calls for first-ever elections for the PLO parliament

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called for elections for the Palestine Liberation Organization's parliament, known as the Palestinian National Council. This would be the first time members of the PLO's highest decision-making body are chosen by a direct vote.

The elections are scheduled for November. The PLO is internationally recognized as the representative of the Palestinian people, and this move is seen as an attempt to revitalize its leadership structure.