|
Hamas, Fatah signal interest in coalition
(AP)
Updated: 2006-01-24 09:36
The ruling Fatah Party and the Islamic militant Hamas traded bitter
accusations and made impassioned last-minute appeals for support Monday on the
final day of campaigning for Palestinian parliamentary elections.
With polls showing Wednesday's election too close to call, Hamas and Fatah
signaled an interest in forming a coalition after the vote. Hamas officials said
even if they win a majority, they would prefer lower-profile Cabinet posts and
to let Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas deal with the Israelis.
That would likely rule out a Hamas-run government, an alarming prospect for
Israel and the West that would spell trouble for future peace prospects.
"We will not put obstacles in the way of Abu Mazen, but we want to correct
his policy, to support him in how he can bring more rights for the
Palestinians," said Ghazi Hamad, a Hamas ideologue and candidate in Gaza. He
referred to Abbas by his nickname.
Across Gaza and the West Bank, Palestinians plastered posters on walls and
electric poles, strung up banners and held large rallies to drum up support.
"Don't let anyone steal your achievements," Fatah candidate Samir Masharawi
told followers in Gaza City. "It's not a shame to negotiate ... It's a shame to
give up."
Fatah candidates in Gaza joined hundreds of supporters on a pilgrimage to the
home of Yasser Arafat, hoping to parlay the memory of the late iconic leader
into votes.
Led by candidate Mohammed Dahlan, the chanting crowd pledged its commitment
"to the blood of the martyrs, to the wounds of the wounded, to the suffering of
the prisoners — and to vote for the Fatah list."
Thousands attended a Hamas rally in the West Bank city of Hebron, waving
green Hamas flags and posters of leaders killed by Israel in a huge show of
strength. In a sign of Islamic conservatism, men and woman stood on opposite
sides.
Hamas, known for its suicide bombings and calls for Israel's destruction, has
emerged as a formidable political force. It has attracted voters with a platform
stressing clean government and an end to Fatah's corruption, while pointing to
its popular social and education programs.
"The people of Hamas are close to God and their hands are clean," said Abdel
Khalim Amer, a 38-year-old resident of Nablus who plans to vote for the group.
Hamas recently won municipal elections in the West Bank city.
With many Palestinians weary after five years of fighting with Israel, Hamas
has played down its violent ideology. But appealing to its hard-line core,
leaders also say they remain committed to armed struggle.
|
