The Palestinian Central Elections Commission said in a statement Friday that the elections scheduled for late May would be delayed. 

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said late Thursday that the delay was due to the Israeli Occupation's unwillingness to confirm that it would allow East Jerusalem residents to vote. 

Abbas said election talks will only continue once "the participation of our people in Jerusalem is guaranteed."

In the Commission's official statement, the committee expressed its hope that it would be able to complete the implementation of the Palestinian elections as soon as possible. 

Palestinian elections have not been held since 2006. 

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