PalestineWest AsiaWorld News

PLC member accuses PA of stalling elections

Palestinian Legislative Council member Hasan Khreisheh on Friday accused the Palestinian Authority of trying to further delay elections.

West Bank “Minister” for Local Governance Khaled Qawasmeh said Thursday that the government would amend elections law and hold the vote for municipal elections in the West Bank only.

“Current elections law includes holding elections in Gaza and the West Bank at the same time, but as the central elections committee cannot work in Gaza there will be an amendment on the law to allow holding the elections in the West Bank only,” he said.

Khreisheh told Ma’an Radio that Qawasmeh was attempting to stall elections.

Further, he said only the president could change Palestinian law. Khreisheh called on the PA to appoint a date for local elections.

The Fatah Authority canceled elections weeks ahead of a planned July 2010 vote. Officials cited Hamas’ refusal to participate in the elections as the reason for the postponement.

Critics said the Fatah was unnerved by the popularity of leftist factions in the polls and delayed the vote fearing Fatah would lose.

Back to top button