Ahead of the parliamentary elections in the Palestinian Authority, scheduled for May 22, the Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, on Thursday warned Israel not to interfere — otherwise, it will interfere in Israel’s own general election on March 23.
“We deliver this message to the leadership of Israel — the Hamas leadership will not allow interference in the [Palestinian] election,” Sinwar said.
“If Israel tries interfering in the election, we will disrupt its calculations and destroy” Israel’s March 23 election, Sinwar said. “One of the normal and basic rights we have as a Palestinian people is our right to organize the Palestinian home.”
Next week, representatives from Hamas and Fatah are expected to meet in Cairo to settle on an election mechanism for the PA parliament and president. As stated, the PA’s parliamentary election is scheduled to take place May 22, while the PA’s presidential election is slated for July 31.
A Hamas official recently told a Lebanese news outlet that the organization has already compiled an initial parliamentary ticket, but was still examining other alternatives, such as a joint list with other Palestinian groups or independent candidates.
Palestinian newspaper Al-Quds reported last week that Hamas will hold its primaries on Feb. 10. The group’s desire is to open voting stations in Gaza, east Jerusalem, parts of Judea and Samaria Palestinian refugee camps abroad.
The primaries will be managed by a Hamas election committee, span a period of two months in all areas, and strive for “maximum transparency.”
