Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas announced readiness to hold elections within the year at an Arab League summit, conditional on circumstances. He revealed plans to create a vice-presidential position and offered amnesty to expelled Fatah members. Abbas emphasized the PA’s legitimacy and the need for internal political reforms, reflecting a potential shift in governance and future election processes.
During an Arab League summit in Cairo focused on Gaza reconstruction, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas expressed his readiness to hold both presidential and parliamentary elections within the year, contingent upon favorable circumstances. Additionally, he announced the establishment of a vice-presidential position in his government and offered amnesty to expelled members of his Fatah party, demonstrating a potential shift in internal political dynamics.
President Abbas, who has held power since 2005, emphasized his commitment to reforming the Palestinian Authority. He stated, “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 announcement comes amidst ongoing discussions regarding Gaza’s future governance and reconstruction.
Notably, among those who could benefit from Abbas’s amnesty is Mohammed Dahlan, a former security chief and expelled Fatah member now residing in the UAE. Some view Dahlan as a significant potential contributor to the governance of post-war Gaza, currently under Hamas control. Abbas underscored the PA’s legitimacy, asserting it as the sole governing authority in Palestinian territories, declaring that the last elections occurred in 2005 and 2006, prior to a stalemate in politics.
In conclusion, President Abbas’s announcement of potential elections and structural reforms within the Palestinian Authority reflects a significant development in Palestinian politics. His proposals for a vice-presidential role and amnesty for expelled members may also reshape the political landscape as the PA seeks to pave a path for future governance and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
Original Source: www.france24.com
