The possibility of holding general elections in the Palestinian territories in 2020 has accelerated discussion within the ruling Fatah movement as to who will eventually replace President Mahmoud Abbas.
A Ramallah-based analyst who requested anonymity told Al-Monitor, “[Key Fatah leaders] are more interested in the succession issue than elections.” The source also asserted, however, “Fatah leaders realize that elections, should they take place, could be a strong indicator of which wing of Fatah is the strongest.”