The Weekly: Updates
An invitation-only newsletter of updates and insights on democracy & elections in Palestine, from the UNDP Democratization and Elections Project.
Hello,
This week covers Gaza elections, the Fatah Revolutionary Council, and potential new media restrictions.
Thanks for reading.
Gaza Local Elections. A few scenarios are solidifying around the Local Government Elections in Gaza (we’ve attempted to capture these in the chart below.) Analysts are increasingly concerned that if the PA (Fatah) and the de facto authorities in Gaza (DFAs) can’t reach an agreement, then it’s possible that the DFAs proceed without PA support. The DFAs have alluded to this possibility in meetings, and it’s been discussed in the media.
“We are keen to prepare the atmosphere for holding elections, and let it be clear that all attempts at delay and disruption will not succeed." - Zakaria Abu Muammar (Hamas)
This fragmentation scenario would pose a particularly challenging dilemma for PA institutions, civil society and the international community about whether and how to engage with the electoral processes and its outcomes.
Fatah General Conference in December, maybe. The Fatah Revolutionary Council determined that the movement would hold a ‘General Conference’ on 17 December 2023. The General Conference is responsible for selecting the Central Committee, the deputy chair of which would become the movement’s interim leader (were the position to fall vacant.) We previously modeled succession processes here:
There are myriad rumors about potential changes in the composition of the Central Committee. The General Conference may not actually take place in December, it’s been delayed for years.
PA considering extensive press restrictions. The PA cabinet is reportedly considering a new restrictive law on the media. The draft law reportedly includes prohibitions against publishing information which would harm the foreign relations of the state and provides criminal punishment for violators. A broad coalition of civil society organizations has issued a statement against the law:
"This proposed legislation includes provisions that represent a clear breach and violation of international principles and standards related to the legislation regulating media and press freedoms enshrined in international conventions and covenants, including those treaties that the State of Palestine has signed and is bound by its provision.”
You can read the full statement here.
Jerusalem Elections. The public debate on Palestinian participation in Jerusalem Municipal Elections continues. In Israel, Arab Mayors are threatening a boycott of the October local elections (in response to an increase in crime.)
Oslo files. It’s nearly 30 years since the Oslo accords were signed, and some files have recently been declassified. The files reveal that Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was reportedly skeptical that the PA could conduct elections on a timely basis. The first Palestinian elections were ultimately held on 20 January 1996.
Have a great weekend!
Have we gotten something wrong or missed an angle? Please get in touch!
Is The Weekly landing in your promotions, junk, or spam folder? Just drag this message back to your regular inbox and email this address (that will let your email program know you trust us.)
Have you missed a previous edition? Check out these recent features:
