GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Three weeks after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced he intends to hold general elections in the Palestinian territories, Fatah’s Democratic Reformist Current (DRC) finally broke its silence. The current, led by dismissed Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan, affirmed Oct. 16 that it wants to take part in any electoral race.

Obviously, Dahlan, who has been residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since 2011 and enjoys its financial support, has been trying over the past years to gain a foothold in the Palestinian political arena. He has increased support for humanitarian and relief projects in the Gaza Strip through the National Islamic Commission for Development and Social Solidarity (Takaful), and he signed understandings with Hamas in 2017. 

Dahlan established Fatah’s DRC in 2016 following his failed efforts to reconcile with Abbas. The DRC consists of a number of prominent leaders such as Samir Mashharawi, Safyan Abu Zeida, Ashraf Jemaa, Majed Abou Shmeleh, Naeimeh Sheikh Ali and Abdul Hamid al-Masri. 

Observers believe that despite his growing popularity, especially in the Gaza Strip, Dahlan couldn't run alone in elections if they are ever held. Yet he could forge alliances with other political parties or set up a political party separate from Fatah.