Ramallah – Ma‘an – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has hinted at a possible announcement of new parliamentary and presidential elections.
Following a meeting with EU Foreign and Security policy chief, Javier Solana, in Ramallah, President Abbas was questioned if he would call for new elections. "This is part of the powers of the presidency to issue decrees that will have the power of law. We will issue these decrees soon," Abbas responded.
Although the Hamas movement won internationally-recognised democratic elections in January 2006, the internecine fighting and recent takeover of Gaza by Hamas have contributed toward international calls for a legitimized change of leadership. Hamas have repeatedly rejected calls for elections held before what they believe to be their legitimate term of office has expired.
Following the events of 14th June, President Abbas‘ Fatah movement have rejected dialogue with the Hamas movement, isolating both Hamas and the Gaza Strip, as Western powers have rallied around presidential control of the Palestinian Authority, and Abbas‘ appointed emergency government.
By holding elections, President Abbas will attempt to diminish fears that he is gathering increasing amounts of executive power toward himself and his loyal movement. It is not yet known whether the Hamas movement will be officially allowed to participate in any future parliamentary or presidential elections.
A date for any potential future election has yet to be released, but sources close to the Palestinian presidency suggested that the announcement may come "as early as this week or next".