It has always been possible to accuse Israel of piling up difficulties and obstacles that prevent elections from taking place. But in truth, Abu Mazen himself did not want the election, and even feared it. After all, the previous elections in 2006 wreaked havoc on him and all Palestinians.
Abu Mazen at the UN: “If Israel annexes territories – we will cancel all agreements” // Photo Archive: Reuters
As in other Middle Eastern societies, which are neither accustomed to a democratic process nor are they ripe for it, in the Palestinian case too Hamas has gained a majority, thus paving its way to take control of the Gaza Strip. In fact, it is the IDF and the security forces that are currently separating Hamas from the chair of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah. Abu Mazen knows this better than anyone else. But now he has changed his ways, and even reached an agreement with Hamas. However, this agreement raises suspicion.
First, it is difficult to assume that Abbas began to believe in and trust Hamas. Second, the Palestinian population does not appear to be excited about, or even interested in, the run-up to the elections. In any case, there is no pressure from the ground to hold such elections.
Abu Mazen will celebrate his 86th birthday this year, and it is an age when one does not start a new political career or go to the polls. In general, in the Palestinian Authority, as in other parts of the Arab world, a leader is not elected in elections but behind the scenes and after a sometimes violent and bloody power struggle. The election is just an outer and even fake cloak, designed to give legitimacy to the leader after he has seized power.
It is possible that the announcement of the election was intended for the ears of the new tenant in the White House, and its purpose is to bring about the opening of a new era in Palestinian relations with Washington. After all, the Biden government will probably be attentive to the false representation of democracy at its best that Abu Mazen will seek to market to him.
One way or another, the announcement of elections in the Palestinian Authority presents the State of Israel with a dilemma. In 2006, under pressure from George W. Bush’s friendly government, Israel allowed Hamas to run in the elections, even though the terrorist organization refused to recognize the Oslo Accords. The result is known, and this time Israel must not fall into the trap or succumb to pressure.
In any case, it is doubtful whether the election will take place. But even if the Palestinians go to the polls, these elections will not go up or down, at most they will grant jobs and honors to the candidates, but will not bring about real change on the ground.