The Hindu : Front Page : Abbas indefinitely postpones polls

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Sunday, Jun 05, 2005

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Front Page

Abbas indefinitely postpones polls

Atul Aneja

Decision follows strong showing by Hamas in local elections

MANAMA: Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has announced the indefinite postponement of the July parliamentary polls, triggering loud protests from the rival Hamas organisation, which has done well in the recent local elections.

In a public decree, Mr. Abbas said he wanted more time to reconcile differences among the various Palestinian factions on proposed changes in election law.

The Hamas is said to back a regional voting system that might help it in securing more seats. The main Palestinian Fatah faction apparently favours voting based on population size.

The Islamic Jihad, another militant group, that had planned to boycott the election, urged Palestinians to strengthen national unity.

Mr. Abbas' announcement follows two significant developments. First, he underwent a heart procedure in a hospital in the Jordanian capital, Amman. Secondly, the elections would follow the Israeli pullout from the Gaza Strip this summer.

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