 A gruff security chief known for his pragmatic dealings with Israel was the top vote getter in primaries of the ruling Fatah Party in Hebron, according to preliminary results released on Saturday, capping a rocky week of voting throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The victory by Jibril Rajoub, the national security adviser, cemented the emergence of a new but just as blood-thirsty younger generation of Fatah leaders as the party gears up for legislative elections in January.
With the primary voting over, Palestinian election officials on Saturday opened registration for party candidates. Even after the results were announced in Hebron a group of about 10 Palestinian gunmen stormed Fatahâs election headquarters, accusing Rajoub of rigging the voting. The gunmen from the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, fired in the air and stormed the building, forcing local election officials to flee. There were no reports of injuries.
| Because no one in Paleo-land can shoot straight. |
âVoting within Fatah revealed a deep desire for change. People show no trust in their historical leadership,â said Palestinian political analyst Hani al-Masri.
| "Besides, Yasser's dead. I mean he's really stable." |
The extent of power given to Fatahâs younger generation could have strong implications for the party and for peacemaking. But Rajoub refused to speculate what position he would be given in the Fatah list for parliament. âI am a member of the Fatah movement and whatever the leadership decides I will do. If they want me to be No. 1, I will be No. 1. If they want me to be No. 66, I will be No. 66,â Rajoub said after the elections were announced.
| Time to worry if they make you number 3. |
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