RAMALLAH: A poll recently conducted shows that Palestinians want to vote immediately, reports the Palestinian News Network (PNN). The responsible organization, the Arab World for Research and Development (AWRAD), says the poll shows that 95% of Gaza and 82% of the occupied West Bank want legislative and presidential elections to take place without delay. Also, support for Fatah has increased five percent to 42% from 37%. A plurality of Palestinians now supports Fatah's approach to peace as opposed to that of Hamas, who sit at 44% and 28% respectively. Popular support for Hamas has fallen four percent since December. The number sits at 18%. In a presidential election, the poll projected Mahmoud Abbas to garner 64% of the vote with only 34% going to Hamas' Haniyeh or Meshaal. Abbas' Fatah party was found to be more popular in Gaza than in the occupied West Bank. Regarding popular resistance, 50% claim to have heard of new methods such as the erection of protest encampments likes Bab Al-Shams. 69% believe that this type of resistance will have a serious impact on ending the occupation and 65% were against the idea of a new Intifada. The poll, of course, does not reflect the increase in Palestinian protests following the death of Arafat Jadarat, a Palestinian who reportedly died as a result of torture during Israeli detainment for throwing stones at Israeli soldiers. However, it does reflect Palestinian enthusiasm towards voting. In Gaza, over 275,000 have registered to vote and the election committee extended the deadline for voter registration due to a strong turnout. Well over 90% of eligible voters are now on the rolls in Gaza. Once voter registration concludes, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will issue two decrees; one will announce the names of the new cabinet ministers and the other will set a date for presidential and legislative elections. These elections are meant to take place three months after the decrees are issued. Abbas would head the transition government until election take place. Hamas and Fatah largely agree on the terms of a reconciliation deal, although there have been bumps along the way. Hamas arrested several Fatah-linked journalists in late January and recently detained a member of Fatah's central committee when she attempted to leave Gaza. Hamas has yet to comment on her detainment. BN
