[Part 1: Hamas’ eligibility for PA elections]
This is becoming a bigger issue, as Sharon just came out publicly against Hamas participation in January’s PA elections, stating that Israel would disrupt PA elections with roadblocks, etc., should Hamas run as planned.
Media coverage (such as this NY Times article) continues to mislead on this matter by not recognizing the fact that Hamas is ineligible for elected office in the PA under the Oslo Accords — the foundational document for the Palestinian Authority.
Oslo Interim Agreement Article III of Annex II (signed 25 September 1995) states:
The nomination of any candidates, parties or coalitions will be refused, and such nomination or registration once made will be canceled, if such candidates, parties or coalitions: 1. commit or advocate racism, or 2. pursue the implementation of their aims by unlawful or non-democratic means.
That’s the legal problem with Hamas holding public office. Silvan Shalom recently stated the more practical problem:
There is no place – nor can there ever be – in a democratic society for political parties which bear arms, for political parties engaged in terrorism and intimidation. No democratic regime can survive if it lets terrorism and politics proceed side by side.
Meanwhile, media outlets are presenting the issue as mere ‘Israeli opposition’.
Comments to NY Times: [email protected]
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