Fatah Movement insists on holding general elections in the Palestinian territories as a means to restore national unity and to rearrange the internal situation, said the movement’s deputy chief.
Mahmoud al-Aloul noted that these elections are also considered a “fair judge” that could resolve differences in the country.
Speaking to the national Palestinian television, Aloul stressed that “holding elections is a necessity in light of the pressure caused bu the US Deal of the Century, which aims at eliminating the Palestinian cause.”
He added that elections is a democratic right as well as a national and international demand.
Fatah wants to hold elections and ensure an end to the division since whoever wins will take over the rule in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
However, it has been facing opposition from Palestinian factions, including Hamas, which controls the Strip and wants elections to be held after consensus and as one of the outcomes of reconciliation.
PA President Mahmoud Abbas has earlier announced his plan to hold general elections and then started a series of meetings to set a roadmap for the elections, which are believed to be facing some complications in Jerusalem and Gaza.
Hamas refuses to hold elections had they are not a result of a consensus and insists that they include re-electing members of the Palestine Liberation Organization's National Council, two demands of which are currently rejected by Fatah.
Israel is not believed to agree on allowing the PA to operate in Jerusalem, which it says is its eternal capital.
Abbas asked the President of the Central Election Commission, Hanna Nasser, to go to the Gaza Strip to begin consultation on elections and start preparing to hold parliamentary elections, to be followed by presidential elections.
He also asked him to o resume contacts immediately with forces, factions and all parties concerned in order to prepare for the legislative elections.
Abbas also stressed the need to follow up on those contacts for a few months after the presidential elections, according to the laws and regulations in force.
He wants reassurances on Hamas and Israel’s positions before announcing his decree on the matter, and he is also considering alternative options in case Jerusalem and Gaza reject holding them.
