Hamas is yet to decide on the "form of participation" in the 2021 Palestinian general elections as there are “multiple options”, announced the group’s politburo member.
Hamas senior member Khalil al-Hayya told a press conference in Gaza that the movement will determine the shape of participation after the Cairo talks, scheduled for February 8.
Hayya said the discussions will particularly focus on “the legal and judicial process related to the vote," indicating that Hamas objects to the recent judicial measures of Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
The official underlined the importance of reaching an agreement between Palestinian factions on the formation of an “electoral court”, calling for restructuring the Constitutional Court in a “brotherly spirit.”
Hayya stressed that it was time to lift the sanctions imposed on the Gaza Strip, stressing that ending the intra-Palestinian division requires consensus on the joint political program.
The leader warned against Israeli interference in the elections, asserting that the national responsibility is to stand up to the occupation.
“We want the Palestinian citizen to feel completely free to vote, campaign, and form lists.”
Hayya asserted Hamas' intention to hold the elections in Jerusalem while calling for smooth elections in the West Bank.
The Cairo dialogue will be attended by all Palestinian factions, during which they will discuss security issues, the court, and reaching an agreement between Fatah and Hamas, which could otherwise mean that there won’t be elections in Gaza.
The talks will test whether the factions can reach an agreement on holding the elections next May, according to the decree issued by the President.