Abbas Ready to Hold Elections Within a Year, Announces Key Political Changes
Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, declared his readiness to hold presidential and parliamentary elections within a year, depending on conditions in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. He also proposed creating a vice-presidential position and granting amnesty to expelled Fatah members, including potential key player Mohammed Dahlan. Abbas emphasized the Palestinian Authority’s authority and called for Arab state support in post-war Gaza reconstruction.
Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, expressed his willingness to conduct presidential and parliamentary elections within the year during an Arab League summit in Cairo. He stipulated that this would occur only if conditions permit in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. Additionally, he announced the establishment of a vice-presidential position and an amnesty for expelled members of his Fatah party.
Abbas’s proposal for a vice-president has been long awaited by the international supporters of the Palestinian Authority, situated in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. As the current president since 2005, Abbas has not faced an electoral challenge since the last presidential vote. Abbas stated, “We are fully prepared to hold general presidential and legislative elections next year, provided that the appropriate conditions are met.”
Among the notable expelled members is Mohammed Dahlan, a former security chief in Gaza, who may benefit from the announced amnesty. Dahlan’s forced exclusion from the party has positioned him as a major player in potential governance in Gaza, which is now under the control of Hamas, Fatah’s adversary. Currently residing in the UAE, he faces allegations of corruption.
During the summit, Abbas called for Arab states to assist in maintaining order in post-war Gaza and suggested utilizing funds from Saudi Arabia and the UAE for reconstruction efforts. He reaffirmed that the Palestinian Authority possesses legitimate governing authority and military power within the Palestinian territories. The last presidential and legislative elections took place in 2005 and 2006, respectively, prior to political conflicts freezing the electoral process.
President Mahmoud Abbas’s announcement to potentially hold elections within the year marks a significant development in Palestinian politics, drawing attention to the need for favorable conditions across the territories. His proposals for a vice-presidential role and amnesty indicate a potential effort to unite and restructure the Fatah party amidst ongoing political challenges. The international community’s role in supporting this process will be critical to achieving a democratic outcome.
Original Source: www.france24.com
