GAZA CITY, 26 May 2006 — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced yesterday that he would call a referendum if Palestinians fail to agree to a Palestinian state alongside Israel in a national dialogue.
“I would like to say frankly that the time and situation we are passing are unbearable. We have no time and I will put the document to referendum within 40 days,” Abbas said during the opening of the national dialogue. The president was referring to a document called “National Accordance” that was agreed to by Palestinian prisoners of all hues in Israeli jails earlier this month and which called for the recognition of Israel.
The referendum represents a political gamble that could either help resolve the Palestinians’ internal deadlock or lead them deeper into crisis.
Hamas appeared to be divided over the idea of a referendum, with several officials giving their blessing, but others dismissing it as an attempt to undercut the Hamas-led government. A referendum, which Palestinian pollsters expect to pass, could provide cover for the militants to moderate without appearing to succumb to Western pressure. Such a vote could also renew pressure on Israel to return to the negotiating table rather than impose borders on the Palestinians.
However, Amar Duaik, director of the Palestinian election commission, said calling a referendum might not be easy. He said Parliament would have to pass a referendum law or Abbas would have to issue a presidential decree. “If there is no agreement (between Hamas and Fatah), I see trouble and differences,” Duaik said.
The 10-day national dialogue aimed at easing tension between rival factions and reaching a unified stance vis-à-vis Israel began yesterday with Palestinian leaders in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank holding a video conference. Talking about the referendum, Abbas said: “This is not a threat but you have to decide within 10 days, and within 40 days we will ask the Palestinian people to decide. All of us are responsible.”
Some Hamas officials said they had been taken by surprise, but said they support the idea. However, Hamas legislator Mushir Al-Masri said that a referendum was a “coup against the democratic choice” of the Palestinians who swept Hamas to power in January’s parliamentary elections.
Islamic Jihad said it opposed the referendum proposal.
Meanwhile, an Israeli Defense Ministry spokeswoman said Israel will allow weapons to be transferred to Abbas’ personal guards in the wake of recent threats to his life.
— Additional input from agencies
