Official: Hamas holds consultations on proposed municipal elections

Middle East Monitor  /  September 17, 2021

Hamas is holding internal consultations regarding possible municipal elections announced by Palestinian Authority Prime Minister, Mohammad Shtayyeh, the movement’s spokesperson said.

“We are holding consultations within the movement’s framework regarding the Shtayyeh government’s announcement of holding municipal elections, and we are also holding consultations with the rest of the Palestinian factions, because the announcement came unilaterally,” Abdul Latif al-Qanou said.

“The Hamas movement considers the elections to be an original approach, and we are all working to implement it at all levels. The elections are a natural right for our Palestinian people regarding their representation at all levels of leadership and service,” he added.

“We also believe that the elections are a natural entitlement for our people to choose who represents them at the municipal level, the legislative or the National Council,” Al-Qanou said.

It was revealed yesterday that The Palestinian Authority has decided to hold municipal elections in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in December, for the first time since 2017.

Voter registration for the upcoming elections will take place between 3-7 October, while candidates will be able to present their candidacy from 26 October to 4 November. Electoral campaigning will begin on 27 November 27 and last until 9 December. While voting is due to take place on 11 December.