Despite the prevalence of talk in Palestinian society about postponing or canceling the legislative elections, the Palestinian political and partisan arena is currently witnessing discussions and consultations to form new political coalitions and alliances that include independents, as well as factions and parties.
According to Palestinian leader Dr. Hassan Khreisheh, former Deputy Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council, postponing the Palestinian legislative elections scheduled for the coming period is a possibility, while the alliances of some Palestinian forces and factions can be seen as “alliances of necessity.”
Khreisheh, who is part of an alliance of national figures and independents planning to participate in the elections, told “We are part of a historical experience, and there are many doubts surrounding the holding of these elections.”
He continued, saying that the first attempt was marked by hesitation regarding holding elections, and today the same scenario is repeating itself: “There is a lack of clarity and hesitation on the part of the decision-maker in this matter, due to many considerations, despite external pressures. He has his own considerations, and consequently, there are many doubts about holding these elections and setting future dates other than the one that was set.”
Regarding his stance on the coalitions and political alignments being discussed, he said: “These coalitions we are talking about are rudimentary. The matter is incomprehensible to me because unions are formed between people who agree and have no disagreements. These alliances, as we have heard, are forming a large group between Hamas, Dahlan, Nasser al-Qudwa, and many others. I consider this an indication of alignment—I honestly don't know what to call it—an alignment of necessity, where each party needs the other more than the other needs them.”
There are many doubts about holding these elections and setting future dates.
He asserted that what ultimately matters in the elections is “the unity of Palestinian territory, the West Bank and Gaza together. However, these alignments in Gaza must now transcend Gaza, as these consultations are not taking place in the West Bank. Therefore, we hope that all parties will at least speak seriously about ending the division and forming a broad national front to, at the very least, before the elections begin, unify their ranks so that we can return the issue to its fundamental starting point: the unity of our people and our institutions.”
We asked Khraisha about the details of the popular movement or gathering he is part of, which seeks to participate in the legislative elections. He said, “We are engaged in dialogue among a group of prominent Palestinian figures to form an electoral list we call the Alliance for Change. It has two objectives: to end the state of rebellion practiced by President Mahmoud Abbas throughout the past period, and to bring about change and unify Gaza and the West Bank, given that change can only be achieved through elections, which have been stalled for many years. We hope that this will happen.”
Talk of alliances between Hamas, Dahlan, Nasser al-Qudwa, and others indicates a necessary alignment.
He said the matter was nearing its conclusion, “and there are ongoing discussions to find solutions. However, how to deal with this alliance is still undecided. The bus is small, and the passengers are many; therefore, suffering is inevitable, and crises will arise here and there. But ultimately, the public interest must prevail so that we can overcome any selfishness or monopolization by some.”
He added, “It is clear that every Palestinian considers themselves a leader, and everyone sees themselves as superior to everyone else. Therefore, I suggest that we bring in young, educated people capable of being at the forefront, and that we, the established figures, act as their support and nurture, so that we can be genuine in the process of change.”
Khraisha believes that although these elections are the result of external pressures and interventions, “everyone is thinking about how to escape these pressures by reproducing the same political system? Or the same figures? Will the elections simply replace one set of figures with another? Or, in reality, is it a genuine process of change aimed at revitalizing the Palestinian cause in general, restoring the citizen’s trust in their political system, and attempting to dispel the prevailing sense of frustration among the Palestinian people? I believe that there must be a Palestinian leadership capable of confronting the dangers facing the Palestinian people.”
Freedoms File
Regarding the issue of freedoms and the increasing number of political arrests in the West Bank as the elections approach—a situation that can be seen as ominous and is part of the existing discord between parties and factions—he stressed that this is an old issue that constantly resurfaces in one form or another, with the targeted groups changing with each shift in power.
He added, “If there were a genuine legislative council or an elected legislative body, this wouldn't be happening, or at least there would be accountability for those responsible. This issue must end and stop because, frankly, the Palestinian people can no longer tolerate being arrested by their own people or having their public freedoms curtailed. I believe this matter should be consigned to history, as we have been fighting it since the establishment of this authority until now. Every time there have been negotiations with the American, Israeli, or other sides, arrests have been raised. Now this tragedy is repeating itself due to certain positions taken by one side or the other. But, unfortunately, the absence of a judiciary capable of upholding rights, and the lack of genuine parliamentary oversight and follow-up, are contributing factors. Civil society organizations have become complicit in this.” The matter is being treated as if it were a normal, everyday occurrence.
He said that if there were a legislative council, President Abbas and the security services would not be able to arrest any citizen for exercising their freedom of opinion and expression. We saw this previously during the events in Jenin and Tulkarm refugee camps, and there are large numbers of political prisoners suffering terribly in Palestinian Authority prisons. Therefore, the fundamental principle is that we should condemn these arrests and criminalize those who arrest these young people.
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