Hamas has issued a stern condemnation regarding recent statements by senior officials within the Palestinian Authority concerning the potential postponement of elections for the Legislative Council. The movement emphasized the absolute necessity of holding these elections on their scheduled date and called for the implementation of all necessary arrangements to guarantee the success of this political milestone.
Speaking on Wednesday, Hazem Qasim, the spokesperson for Hamas, expressed deep surprise at the discourse surrounding the possibility of delaying the polls. He characterized the proposal to consider postponement as a clear indicator that the Authority leadership continues to manipulate the electoral issue for narrow partisan interests. Qasim argued that keeping the Palestinian situation and the arrangements of the political system hostage to the decisions of leaders from a specific faction is unacceptable, as it prevents the genuine representation of popular will.
The spokesperson highlighted that this approach has contributed significantly to the prolonged absence of presidential elections, noting that the position of President has remained vacant of electoral processes for more than two decades. Furthermore, he pointed out that this strategy has led to the continued obstruction of legislative elections and the failure to elect the Palestinian National Council itself. These systemic failures have left key institutions without fresh mandates from the electorate.
In response to these developments, Qasim urged all Palestinian factions to unite in preventing the confiscation of the people’s will and interfering with the electoral process. He stressed the importance of working together to ensure that free and fair elections are conducted, encompassing all components of the Palestinian political system. The call for unity was framed as essential to safeguarding democratic rights and ensuring that the outcome of any vote truly reflects the desires of the voters.
Emphasizing the urgency of the matter, the Hamas spokesperson affirmed the need to establish arrangements capable of conducting the electoral event on time. This includes measures that guarantee respect for the will of the voters and facilitate the renewal of legitimacy for Palestinian political institutions through ballot boxes. The movement maintains that adhering to the original schedule is not merely a procedural formality but a critical step toward restoring political credibility and addressing the long-standing crisis of representation within Palestinian society.
