Palestinian politicians anxious to hit campaign trail after 11 years
In the Gaza Strip, where the last local council elections were held in 2005, political parties are launching their campaigns a little early.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — In some countries where electioneering can be a yearslong marathon, it might seem odd that not only are local Palestinian political candidates limited to two weeks of campaigning, they are being called out for jumping the gun.
Campaigning for the Oct. 8 Palestinian local elections officially starts Sept. 24. However, some campaigning has started early, especially in the Gaza Strip, where the last local elections were held in 2005 and suspended ever since due to the Palestinian internal conflict.
Promotions began appearing in early August, mainly on social media outlets. Supporters of the political parties — especially the two largest, Hamas and Fatah — have been exchanging accusations and slander in what is considered a flagrant violation of the Palestinian Local Elections Law of 2005.
According to the law, electoral campaigns may only start two weeks prior to the designated polling day. The law also bans speeches, pamphlets and advertisements containing attempts to defame other candidates.
