Hamas on Wednesday called on its followers not to vote in Palestinian presidential elections set for Jan. 9.
Ismail Hanieh, a senior Hamas leader in Gaza Strip, said at a news conference that the group did not want its supporters to participate in the election at all. According to The AP, he called on supporters not to vote and said the movement would not field a presidential candidate.
Asked whether Hamas is urging supporters to boycott the presidential vote, Hanieh said: "Its supporters and sympathizers are aware and wise people, and they respect the attitude Hamas has chosen."
