Fatah movement will run in the upcoming Palestinian legislative elections on a unified list supported by central committee member Marwan Barghouti, who is detained by Israel, according to an informed source.
Discussions over Fatah's candidate for the presidency would be held after the legislative council elections, according to the source, who explained that the goal now is to close ranks.
While Barghouti could be a potential candidate for the presidential elections, the movement faces division among some of its members who plan to form competing electoral lists.
Former member of Fatah’s central committee Nasser al-Qudwa announced last week he was setting up a separate electrical list for the legislative elections. Also, dismissed leader of the movement Mohammed Dahlan is also planning to form a competing list.
A Fatah source indicated that the movement is holding talks with all sides, including Qudwa, to settle issues, warning that harsh measures will be taken against any member who acts against the movement.
In the 2006 elections, Hamas suffered from division that prompted angry members to vote for Hamas, which cost Fatah its majority in the Legislative Council.
Member of Fatah Central Committee Minister Hussein al-Sheikh explained that the Central Committee is governed by the movement’s internal regulations and bylaws, stressing that the disagreements and freedom of opinion are respected within its framework.
Speaking during a virtual Zoom meeting with officials from the movement in Jerusalem, Sheikh asserted that Fatah would form a national unity government if it wins the elections, stressing that the 2006 scenario will not be repeated.
He asserted that members of the Revolutionary Council, the Central Committee, leaders of the security services, and former ministers are banned from competing in the elections, allowing younger members to run.
“Fatah, with strength and power, will run united in the upcoming democratic elections to strengthen democracy, maintain the national liberation project and protect Palestinian national unity,” Sheikh wrote on Facebook.
Fatah’s central committee held a meeting Monday, chaired by President Mahmoud Abbas, to finalize the issues, noting that the movement formed committees in various Palestinian territories, including Gaza, to prepare for the elections and set criteria for selecting candidates.
The factions and candidates have until the end of March to present an electoral list to the Central Elections Committee.
Palestinians plan to hold the legislative elections on May 22 and the presidential polls on July 31, for the first time in 15 years.
