 In Palestine, the strain between the ruling HAMAS and President Mahmood Abbas' al-Fatah party continues. So far, 12 people have died in armed clashes between the parties. Amid rumors of early elections, the latest public opinion polls show that support for al-Fatah is on the rise, while support for HAMAS is on the decline. | “In the case of an early election today, al-Fatah would receive 32 percent of the total electorate, and HAMAS around 30 percent, while 30 percent of those polled report they do not trust either party...” |
According to a poll conducted by the Jerusalem Media and Communication Center, in the case of an early election today, al-Fatah would receive 32 percent of the total electorate, and HAMAS around 30 percent, while 30 percent of those polled report they do not trust either party. More than 50 percent of the voters urge HAMAS and Fatah to form a national unity government. However, experts note that the recent clash between the two parties rules out the possibility of such an endeavor. Fatah leader Abbas will reportedly seek the renewal of presidential and parliamentary elections in early 2007. Reports also indicate that Abbas will request the resignation of the HAMAS government, and form a new government under the leadership of an independent figure until the elections. |