Palestinian Authority Postpones Elections for Months Due to Worsening Conditions
Translated & summarized from Alarab by baba
The Palestinian Authority has postponed its general elections, initially set for November 28, for several months due to "worsening conditions." Deputy Chairman Hussein Al-Sheikh informed France's Foreign Minister that security, political, and economic prerequisites were not met. Fatah reportedly fears losing to rival lists, including one potentially backed by Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The PA had also requested Israeli permission for election activities in East Jerusalem and Gaza.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Palestinian Authority postpones general elections for several months due to worsening conditions.
- Deputy Chairman Hussein Al-Sheikh informed French Foreign Minister of the decision.
- Fatah fears losing elections to rival lists, including one potentially backed by Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
- The PA had requested Israeli permission for election activities in East Jerusalem and Gaza.
- France has been a proponent of Palestinian elections and reforms for state recognition.
The Palestinian Authority has decided to postpone its general elections, originally scheduled for November 28, for several months, citing "worsening conditions in the Palestinian territories." Hussein Al-Sheikh, Deputy Chairman of the Palestinian Authority, informed French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot of the decision in a letter. He stated that the necessary security, political, and economic conditions for holding the elections on time have not yet materialized.
Al-Sheikh's letter explained that conducting the elections under current circumstances would face significant obstacles related to ensuring the inclusion of all groups, freedom of participation, and the credibility of the electoral process. France has been a proponent of holding elections and implementing reforms within the Palestinian Authority, in exchange for international recognition of a Palestinian state.
In a related development, the Palestinian Authority had formally requested Israel's permission for election committee members to operate in East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. The timing of this request, during the week of the October 7 anniversary, was noted by Israeli media as potentially having political significance, suggesting that an Israeli refusal could be used to blame Israel for obstructing the elections. However, the article notes this is an interpretation from an Israeli report, not an independently verified fact.
Internal Palestinian political dynamics also appear to be a factor in the postponement. According to reports, Fatah, led by Mahmoud Abbas, fears losing the elections to rival lists. A unified list, reportedly being formed by Mohammed Dahlan in cooperation with Hamas and Islamic Jihad, is seen as a potential challenge to Fatah. The postponement comes amid ongoing political and security disputes concerning the conditions for holding elections, particularly in East Jerusalem and Gaza, and ensuring broad participation from Palestinian factions.
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