Delegations from Palestinian factions participating in the two-day Cairo-based Palestinian National Dialogue affirmed on Wednesday the need to hold the awaited general elections in Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza Strip. In a statement the factions have issued after the meetings were concluded, the delegates highlighted the unity of the Palestinian territories, and agreed to confront any obstacle to holding the vote, especially in Jerusalem. On Tuesday, the factions assured that all stages of the much-awaited election, slated for this summer, would be held in a manner that achieves transparency and integrity. Moreover, they signed on Tuesday what they described as an honour code, where they vowed to conduct the presidential and parliamentary elections in a "fair and free" manner. On Wednesday, according to the statement, they also agreed to complete the formation of the Palestinian anti-normalisation group dubbed the Unified Palestinian National Leadership for Popular Resistance. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi addressed yesterday the participating delegations, expressing hope that the goals of the national dialogue are achieved. The coming Palestinian general elections are set to be the first since 2006. Several election promises, however, have not been fulfilled amid inter-Palestinian differences. The parliamentary elections are set to be held on 22 May and the presidential elections have been set for 31 July.
