Palestinians hold local elections in West Bank

Palestinians have begun voting for new mayors and local councils across the West Bank, in the first election here in six years.

By (AP)

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Published: Sat 20 Oct 2012, 11:56 AM

Last updated: Fri 3 Apr 2015, 3:11 PM

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his Fatah movement hope Saturday’s vote in 93 communities will revive flagging popular support. Some 515,000 registered voters are eligible and results are expected on Sunday.

But there’s widespread voter apathy. That’s in part because Fatah’s main rival, the Hamas, is boycotting the West Bank election and has banned voting in Gaza, the territory it seized from Abbas in 2007. Hamas says the political camps must reconcile ahead of any elections.

Even with Hamas out of the picture, Fatah could still lose. In several towns, Fatah renegades are competing against the official Fatah slates. A low turnout would also boost Hamas.


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