Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Hamas Participation or Absence from Elections, To Be Decided Today | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Hamas militants grab Palestinians suspected of collaborating with Israel, before executing them in Gaza City, August 22, 2014. REUTERS/Stringer


Ramallah-Hamas sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that whether the organization will participate in the local elections or not is a decision to be made after today’s meeting with Head of the Central Elections Commission Hanna Nasser.

According to same sources, Hamas will discuss with Nasser several related topics including, insuring members’ safety during and after election process, participating in the censorship committees, determining the judicial party assigned to receive appeals, facilitating missions of municipalities won by Hamas, plus pledging to not arrest or dismiss Hamas elected figures like what happened in previous years.

In a previous statement, Hamas said that carrying out the elections is a must, but it did not explicitly say that it will be part of it. The organization reiterated the importance of the elections for the sake of renewing local authorities thus developing services provided to the Palestinian people.

Hamas is willing to facilitate the success of the election process, added the statement.

Immediately, Central Elections Commission welcomed Hamas statement; Hanna Nasser and a delegation are expected to arrive Gaza Strip today to discuss with political parties and factions the committee plans regarding the elections scheduled this October.

Yet, some sources revealed Hamas wish to carry out a rehearsal to measure its popularity and to see the reaction of the authority, Israel and the World.

Hamas Political Chief Moussa Abu Marzouk said that the municipal elections reflect the Palestinians will and reinforces national partnership, calling everyone to insure integrity and equal opportunities and finally to respect the elections’ results.

Fatah sees that the participation of Hamas in the elections will increase competency and maintain the democratic choice plus that it will reveal the real convictions of the electors.