Mahmoud Abbas, who has led the Palestinian Authority since 2005 without facing voters, remains in office amid ongoing Fatah internal elections and preparations for Palestinian National Council voting in November 2026 followed by legislative polls and presidential elections targeted for 2027. His advanced age and low domestic approval ratings have prompted a formal succession framework designating Hussein al-Sheikh as interim leader for up to 180 days pending elections if Abbas vacates the post. Recent moves include ratifying election rules, advancing a draft constitution for state transition, and managing Fatah leadership dynamics that include his son's elevated role, though no acute health events or external pressures have altered his position in the past month. Traders weigh these controlled institutional steps and scheduled votes against the risk of sudden incapacity or external shocks shifting the timeline.