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It's been two weeks since Mahmoud Abbas signed decrees to hold legislative, presidential and PNC elections.
Here is a quick (non comprehensive) thread summarising some of the developments and responses since then, and key issues that have emerged/are emerging...
Here is a quick (non comprehensive) thread summarising some of the developments and responses since then, and key issues that have emerged/are emerging...
For Fatah, there is a big question mark over whether their vote will be split in the legislative elections by rival lists.
Officially - as Jibril Rajoub states here - the intention is to have one list. But let's see. https://english.wafa.ps/Pages/Details/123004
Officially - as Jibril Rajoub states here - the intention is to have one list. But let's see. https://english.wafa.ps/Pages/Details/123004
Jihad Harb notes there may be two or more electoral lists within Fatah, or, there could be reconciliation within the Fatah movement (perhaps w/ Egyptian & Jordanian mediation). & even if Dahlan doesn't run himself, his supporters may support alt candidates https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2021/01/palestinian-elections-fatah-dahlan-unified-list-hamas.html
Meanwhile, with respect to presidential election, a big question hangs over whether Marwan Barghouti will run from behind bars. Polls "have regularly shown that Barghouti would win presidential elections, whether he runs within Fatah or with a new party". https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/palestine-elections-marwan-barghouti-consider-candidate-fatah-pa
For Hamas, there are different kinds of complications - not least the fact that in the West Bank, their members are vulnerable to harassment & detention by Israeli occupation forces (Israel has previous w/ respect to arrests & mass arrests of Hamas MPs). https://twitter.com/Marianhouk/status/1353621759229128704
Here, Hani al-Masri offers analysis on Hamas' thinking re the elections, including the issue of a change in administration in Washington, and the hope of exploiting perceived (or actual) weaknesses within Fatah. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210107-why-did-hamas-change-its-position-on-the-palestinian-elections/
Another issue for Hamas is the fact that they apparently intend to go ahead with *internal* elections, essentially in parallel to the lead up to the legislative elections in the oPt - though it's possible that decision could still change. https://www.maannews.net/news/2030306.html
Finally, there is concern & criticism from Palestinians regarding the entire plan (assuming it goes ahead that is).
"Will the elections, if they take place, end the divisions that have bedevilled Palestinians for more than a decade, or exacerbate them?" https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/edit-abbas-decree-palestinian-elections-raises-questions
"Will the elections, if they take place, end the divisions that have bedevilled Palestinians for more than a decade, or exacerbate them?" https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/edit-abbas-decree-palestinian-elections-raises-questions
And, this, by @yarahawari:
"It is thus entirely likely that the two parties will come to an agreement to fix the elections in a way that would allow them to maintain dominant positions in the territories they currently rule over." https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2021/1/27/palestinian-elections-democracy-for-no-one
"It is thus entirely likely that the two parties will come to an agreement to fix the elections in a way that would allow them to maintain dominant positions in the territories they currently rule over." https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2021/1/27/palestinian-elections-democracy-for-no-one
