Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday postponed parliamentary elections indefinitely, giving his embattled Fatah party time to halt political infighting and shore up support against a growing challenge from Hamas.
The decision angered Hamas, which accused Abbas of stonewalling to protect his political interests. But the group signaled it would continue to honor a ceasefire with Israel, despite previous threats to abandon the truce if the election date was pushed back.
The election was to have been held July 17. Abbas said Saturday that more time was needed to resolve differences over a new election law. He wants all candidates chosen on national lists, while some Fatah members in parliament prefer voting by district.
"This is to allow for more consultation and for legal measures to take place," Abbas said. "Time is short. Postponement was necessary to allow us to finalize the legal measures and consultations between factions."
Abbas did not give a new date, saying it would be set after discussions with the legislature and rival political parties.
"This decision was taken unilaterally ... and it came as a response to the conditions and the atmosphere of the Fatah movement and not because of any national consideration," said Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas spokesman.
While accusing Abbas of violating understandings of the ceasefire agreement, Abu Zuhri indicated that Hamas would continue to honor the truce. He said only that Abbas' decision "might harm the credibility of relations" with Hamas.
Tapping into voter dissatisfaction over years of Fatah corruption, the militant group has captured a number of key races in recent local elections and appears poised for strong gains in the legislative vote as well. It is the first time it will participate in legislative elections.
Abbas reached the ceasefire agreement with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Feb. 8 in an effort to end four years of fighting.
Hamas and other groups agreed to honor the truce in return for pledges from Abbas to give them a formal role in Palestinian decision-making. Violence has dropped sharply since then.
The delay could give Abbas time to hold Fatah primaries, which he believes will yield stronger candidates, and allow him to capitalize on Israel's planned withdrawal from Gaza in August. The withdrawal could also bolster Hamas, whose stronghold is Gaza.
"This plays into the hands of everybody," said Hanan Ashrawi, an independent Palestinian lawmaker. "I believe the period of calm will continue as an act of will and political commitment by the different factions."
Still, the delay further heightened tensions. Hamas is already angry over Fatah's attempts to overturn its victories in three recent local elections in Gaza. A court has ordered a new vote, but election officials postponed a revote last week after Hamas refused to participate.
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