Jibril Rajoub, a member of Fatah’s Central Committee, has called for Palestinian presidential elections to be held before legislative elections, arguing that the Palestinian political system is presidential in nature and therefore requires the election of a president first.
Speaking during a meeting with youth activists organised by the Palestinian Peace Coalition in Ramallah on Tuesday, Rajoub said Palestinian factions should agree on a national consensus candidate for the presidency.
He suggested that, under such an arrangement, Mahmoud Abbas would remain chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
Rajoub also expressed doubts that legislative elections could be held as scheduled at the end of November, saying that a comprehensive national dialogue would be needed beforehand and that elections should be able to take place in both Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.
READ: Palestinian election commission announces timetable for Nov. 28 legislative vote
Despite those concerns, he encouraged Palestinians to participate if the elections proceed as planned.
Rajoub said he would support the list nominated by Fatah in the legislative elections but confirmed that he would not be a candidate himself.
Earlier, President Mahmoud Abbas announced that 28th November would be the date for Palestinian legislative elections, with presidential elections to follow next year.
Rajoub reiterated that, in his view, the presidential nature of the Palestinian political system makes it more appropriate to hold the presidential election first. He also said he would not seek any position within the Palestinian Authority or the PLO, adding that he intends to continue playing a political role during the upcoming electoral process.
READ: Statement from the National Commission for Palestinian Popular Action on upcoming elections
