Elections: An Opportunity, Not a Challenge

Written by: Dr. Dalal Saeb Erekat

In Palestine, at various levels, a state of confusion is evident due to the occupation, settler violence, scenes of repeated Israeli invasions, field executions, demolitions, threats of confiscation and annexation, and the increase in racist policies imposed on the Palestinian citizen, which corresponds to confusion in political decisions, starting with regard to local laws and decisions by law by the executive authority in The absence of legislative power.

After the results of the Israeli elections and the consequent possibilities in political alliances for the purpose of forming the next government, so that we as Palestinians can understand the upcoming scenarios and the role of the Arabs in influencing, we remember that the Knesset consists of 120 seats, so that any party can form a government, it needs 61 seats, And as we have presented, based on the results, Netanyahu returns to the extreme right to form the government, meaning they still need an alliance to be able to form a government, and he is still suffering because of the indictments against him, as he announced that he would start his negotiations to form a strong Zionist government without excluding any of the Zionist parties and without the alliance With the Arabs, it is natural for him to maneuver and use various tricks in order to avoid imprisonment.

The Israeli street moved to the right strongly, with the introduction of the racist Israeli parties over and over again. The statements we are witnessing regarding these alliances reflect the reality and face of all Israeli parties.

The observer of the general situation believes that the basis of the various crises is the occupation, then the division, and then the sag of the internal political system. With regard to the issue of the Palestinian political system, the problem lies in the confusion between the functions of the executive and legislative authorities and the weakness of the judicial authority. Where the executive authority has become the legislative authority, in light of the absence of the Legislative Council, the Palestinian Basic Law allows the executive authority represented by the presidency and the government to present draft laws, and according to Article 43, presidential decrees are issued that take the status of law as long as the Legislative Council is suspended in the absence of a session. Unfortunately, this fact resulted in the existence of a central authority, patriarchal and profound, which is not suitable for the aspirations of the Palestinian people.

In light of this confusion, it is obvious that we resort to Article 2 of the Basic Law, which emphasizes the separation of powers, and that the people are the source of these powers. It has become clear to everyone that the multiplicity of powers of the executive authority and its shift from implementation and oversight and its preoccupation with legislation is one of the biggest problems and challenges. Hence, we see that elections are the best procedure, as they will provide an opportunity for citizens to participate in managing public affairs, elect their representatives, and strengthen the tools of oversight and accountability. The government will also be able to Carrying out its executive and oversight duties, and the authorities will work in parallel to complete what we hope for in terms of a separation of harmony and harmony between legislation, implementation, and the judiciary.

When talking about elections, questions about the Palestinian elections are flying around:
Will Hamas agree to cooperate and hold elections in Gaza?
Will Israel agree to hold elections in Jerusalem?
Is the Palestinian Authority serious about holding elections?
Will the elections exacerbate division?
Will the world accept the outcome of democratic elections?

The Chairman of the Central Elections Committee has repeatedly expressed the importance of holding elections, and here we all hope for the cooperation of the bright-minded decision-makers who understand the importance of civil and political rights for citizens. For elections, on the contrary, should be one of the reasons for holding them.

We all remember, the Legislative Council was dissolved by the decision of the Constitutional Court. What is important today is holding these elections and reviving the legislative authority, as it is a national and societal responsibility, and efforts must be joined by all official or popular parties or civil and international organizations to support and confirm the holding of periodic elections every 4 years. We must view the occupation, division and internal flabbiness as basic motives, not obstacles to holding elections. Those who think strategically realize that elections are an opportunity, not a challenge.

Written by: Dr. Dalal Erekat , Professor of Strategic Planning and Conflict Resolution at the Arab American University.