President Mahmoud Abbas expressed readiness to hold elections within a year during an Arab League summit. He announced plans for a vice-presidential role and amnesty for expelled Fatah members. Notably, he highlighted the need for appropriate conditions in Gaza and the West Bank to ensure a successful electoral process, addressing potential figures like Mohammed Dahlan in future governance.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas announced his willingness to conduct presidential and parliamentary elections within a year, contingent upon favorable circumstances. This declaration came during the Arab League summit in Cairo, focused on Gaza reconstruction. He also unveiled plans for the creation of a vice-presidential position in his administration and extended amnesty to expelled members of his Fatah party.
At the summit, President Abbas noted the importance of establishing a vice-presidential role, a request long advocated by international supporters of the Palestinian Authority (PA). Abbas, aged 89, has held power since 2005, succeeding Yasser Arafat, and has not faced an election since being elected for a four-year term in 2006.
In addressing the Arab leaders, President Abbas expressed readiness to hold elections, stating, “We are fully prepared to hold general presidential and legislative elections next year, provided that the appropriate conditions are met in Gaza, the West Bank, and east Jerusalem.” This statement signifies a potential opening for political engagement, following years of political stagnation.
Among those potentially benefiting from the amnesty is Mohammed Dahlan, a former Fatah security chief barred from the party. Dahlan, who has faced corruption allegations and is currently residing in the UAE, is viewed as a significant figure in future Gaza governance, particularly as an alternative to Hamas.
Abbas suggested that Arab countries might deploy troops to ensure stability in Gaza post-conflict, with funding assistance from Saudi Arabia and the UAE for reconstruction efforts. He stressed the PA’s role as the sole legitimate governing body in the Palestinian territories, emphasizing the urgent need for political revitalization in the region. The last presidential election occurred in January 2005, with legislative elections in January 2006, before the factional strife between Hamas and Fatah halted political processes.
In summary, President Mahmoud Abbas’s recent announcement about the potential for elections reflects an endeavor to revitalize Palestinian governance. His willingness to introduce a vice-presidential role and offer amnesty to expelled Fatah members is indicative of a possible political shift. Abbas’s statements at the Arab League summit underscore his commitment to the Palestinian Authority’s leadership amidst ongoing challenges in Gaza and the West Bank.
Original Source: www.france24.com
