Palestinian movements Hamas and Islamic Jihad lashed out at plans for elections next year, but refrained from announcing a boycott of the event.
"The elections are a response precipitated by American pressures," said Islamic Jihad leader Mohammed al Hindi in reaction to Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat's announcement of presidential and legislative elections in January 2003, with local elections slated for March 2003.
According to AFP, al Hindi accused the United States of wanting "to abort the intifada." He added the scheduling of local elections for March was meant to tip momentum towards the Palestinian "peace camp" and away from those opposed to a negotiated settlement with Israel.
For his part, Hamas leader Ismail Haniya described the elections as "unfolding within the framework of Oslo." "All elections must take into account the reality created on the ground by the intifada," he said.
Hamas and Islamic Jihad boycotted the last Palestinian elections in 1996. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
