Palestinian Elections

Publication Date: February 2006

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Politics

Type:

Coverage: Palestine

Abstract:

Fair and transparent elections are seen by experts and policymakers as a necessary step in Palestinian democratization and for the peace process. In 2002, the Palestinian Authority (PA), under increasing internal and external pressure, announced a so-called "100-Day Reform Plan" for institutional reform and elections in order to rejuvenate PA leadership. The 2006 legislative elections were the final and perhaps most critical test for Palestinian democratic institutions. On the one hand, the Palestinian Legislative Council elections may improve the day-to-day lives of Palestinians, renew public confidence in the PA, and bolster the peace process. On the other hand, the clear-cut legislative victory of Hamas, which does not recognize the state of Israel and calls for an Islamized Palestinian state, may increase the possibility that Palestinians will find themselves isolated.

Palestinian political reform is an important element in the U.S. policy of promoting democracy, civil society, and good governance in the Middle East. Still, a PA that is dominated by a democratically elected Hamas is uncharted diplomatic territory for the United States government and international community. It remains unclear how U.S. policy toward the Palestinians will change now that a designated terrorist organization is set to head the government. Additionally, as Israel holds its own parliamentary election this spring, any new government will face decisions whether to curb economic and diplomatic relations with the Palestinians.

The Palestinian political landscape has changed dramatically since the death of Yasir Arafat in 2004. Violence between Palestinians and Israelis, ineffective PA government, and an elusive political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict prompted Palestinians to opt for change. The shift from a secular Fatah government toward a militant, Islamist government, however, does not necessarily mean all Palestinians accept the ideology of Hamas. The public's support for Hamas is conditional and may erode if Hamas does not improve the lives of Palestinians in demonstrable ways.

President Bush expressed support for the conduct of the Palestinian elections, but he and other Administration officials contend that there should be no place in the political process for groups and individuals who refuse to denounce terror and violence, recognize Israel's right to exist, or disarm. Since 1993, Congress has authorized over $1.5 billion in assistance to the Palestinians, and U.S. assistance to the Palestinians has increased over the past few years. Some in Congress support restricting or ending economic assistance to the Palestinians so that U.S. aid does not benefit a foreign terrorist organization. Others are wary of initiatives that may weaken Palestinian President Abbas.

The report will be updated periodically as events warrant. For discussion of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, see CRS Report RS21235, Palestinian Factions, by Aaron Pina and CRS Issue Brief IB91137, The Middle East Peace Talks, by Carol Migdalovitz, and CRS Report RS22370, U.S. Foreign Aid to the Palestinians, by Jeremy M. Sharp.