Palestinian elections postponed

RAMALLAH, West Bank – Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday postponed parliamentary elections indefinitely, giving his embattled Fatah party time to halt political infighting and shore up support against a growing challenge from Hamas.

The Islamic militant group angrily accused Abbas of stonewalling but said it will continue to honor a cease-fire with Israel. No new date was announced for the election, originally scheduled for July 17.

Tapping into voter dissatisfaction over years of Fatah corruption, the militant group has captured a number of key races in recent local elections and appears poised to make strong gains in the legislative vote as well. This will be the first time it will participate in legislative elections.

Abbas said Saturday that more time was needed to resolve differences over a new election law. He wants all candidates chosen from national lists, while some Fatah members in parliament prefer voting by district.

“This is to allow for more consultations and for legal measures to take place,” Abbas said in an interview with Palestinian TV. “Time is short. Postponement was necessary to allow us to finalize the legal measures and consultations between factions.”

Abbas said a new date for the elections would be set after discussions with the legislature and rival political parties.

Hamas accused Abbas of trying to improve Fatah’s chances with the delay.