With Hamas announcing its intention to contest the legislative elections, scheduled for November 28, as stipulated in a Palestinian presidential decree, the movement faces a host of questions over its ability to navigate the political requirements of the post-war phase in the Gaza Strip.
This will be Hamas's second participation in legislative elections following the last vote in 2006. The war has fundamentally altered the reality of Palestinians and triggered further conflicts in several countries across the region.
Perhaps the most pressing question in recent days is how Hamas will deal with the amendments introduced by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to the election law, particularly the requirement that electoral lists commit to the political program of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which is recognized as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.
That program includes recognition of relevant international legitimacy resolutions, including recognition of Israel and the renunciation of violence, along with other conditions the movement had previously rejected.
A Hamas political source told Asharq Al-Awsat that the movement is in contact with all factions to reach a comprehensive consensus on the elections and ensure the participation of all parties without imposing unilateral policies in determining the political objectives of the national framework.
Asked about Hamas's plans for overcoming the dispute over the PLO's political program, the source said there are legal and political options, alongside national dialogue, for reaching agreement on a course of action that could circumvent such a requirement. The source added that Hamas is committed to reforming the PLO and the Palestinian National Council before joining them, so that their programs are brought into line with national requirements under the current circumstances.
He noted that messages are being exchanged with Fatah, both directly and indirectly, on a range of national issues, expressing hope that an understanding can be reached that brings Palestinians closer together and steers them toward safety.
The source stressed that the developments in Gaza had increased the popularity of Hamas and the armed factions that share its approach of "resisting the occupation." As a result, the movement is not afraid of electoral competition, even if it loses or remains in opposition. He stressed that Hamas has no intention of returning to power, but wants to be part of the Palestinian political system and put an end to unilateral decision-making on issues of national consequence.
Hossam Badran, a member of Hamas's political bureau, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the principle of imposing political conditions on electoral participation is unacceptable regardless of the wording or substance, because it contradicts the very essence of elections, which is competition among different political programs.
Badran said Hamas is holding consultations and dialogue with various factions as well as emerging electoral lists to agree on a collective mechanism for addressing the issue. He said some parties had already begun, in coordination with Hamas, sending messages to the Palestinian Central Elections Commission, while others are considering turning to the Palestinian judiciary.
"We will follow the matter and reach what is appropriate, but on the basis of participating in the elections," he said.
Fatah in Gaza
A senior Fatah source in the Gaza Strip told Asharq Al-Awsat that President Abbas's decisions regarding the latest amendments would not be reversed, and that they enjoy full support as part of the reform plan adopted by the Palestinian Authority with full Arab and international backing.
According to the source, who requested anonymity, Hamas and any Palestinian faction or entity participating in the forthcoming elections, in which the Gaza Strip will take part under arrangements established by the Central Elections Commission, must comply with the amended laws. He said the decisions were not intended to restrict the participation of any faction, whether affiliated with the PLO or outside it. Rather, their primary objective was to ensure that every future parliamentary force has a clear political program.
Abdel Fattah Doleh, the Fatah spokesman in Ramallah, said any party has the right to participate in the forthcoming elections, a right guaranteed by Palestinian law, which must be observed by every party taking part in the electoral process.
In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Doleh said there have been no genuine direct contacts with Hamas regarding the elections. He noted that Hamas had previously participated in elections and became part of the political system before turning against it and monopolizing power.
He added that Fatah had repeatedly sought, during previous rounds of dialogue, to integrate Hamas into the PLO, but that the movement had raised objections each time.
Doleh stressed that the political system has room for everyone, but said it is essential that anyone participating in it adhere to the PLO's political program, given its status as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinians. He emphasized that Hamas must align itself with that framework.
