Will tribalism dominate upcoming Palestinian elections?

As electoral lists form in the runup to the local Palestinian elections, various political factions worry that tribal and family loyalties will trump political affiliations.
A Palestinian man check voting pamphlets in the office of the Central Elections Commission in the West Bank town of El Bireh August 17, 2016. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman - RTX2LI45
A Palestinian man reads voter pamphlets in the office of the Central Elections Commission in the town of El Bireh, West Bank, Aug. 17, 2016. - REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman
adnanabuamer.jpg
Adnan Abu Amer
@@AdnanAbuAmer2

The countdown to the Palestinian local elections has begun. The atmosphere is tense, with remarkable participation by tribes and families in addition to the usual political forces.

Palestinian tribes started mobilizing immediately after the announcement of the electoral process and the major families started to prepare their candidates.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 for annual access.

Videos

See more