Hamas Mulls Palestinian Elections

Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip have updated the electoral register in preparation for a decision that may be issued to call for legislative and presidential elections, in the event that the efforts for reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas succeed.

It is no longer a secret that Hamas, which came to power by way of elections that were held during the same period in 2006, fears that the upcoming elections will put an end to its existence on the Palestinian political landscape. This explains the movement’s state of alert. Hamas has been intensifying its efforts to demonstrate that its term in office over the past few years has been successful, in spite of all obstacles and hurdles. The pertinent question, however, is: Will the Palestinian movement succeed in its quest?

First and foremost, one should point to the major reasons behind Hamas’ victory in the elections held on Jan. 25, 2006. At the time, Hamas employed both political and ideological tactics. It prepared itself for the “historical test,” and therefore won by a landslide.

Hamas had also espoused a policy of armed resistance, emerging as a Palestinian military resistance movement in the first and second intifadas. This has played a major role in the movement’s favor, which increased its numbers and support. Hamas has become, in the eyes of young Palestinians, the natural heir of Fatah’s original project. This is especially true, as people have remained oblivious to international changes and regional developments, which has driven them to continue to support the armed resistance.