Election committee says Hamas obstructing local election preparation efforts in Gaza

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RAMALLAH, Palestinian Territories — Palestinian local elections in October will only be held in the West Bank as Hamas is hampering preparations in Gaza, a senior electoral official said on Wednesday.

Speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, the official said the government had informed the Central Elections Commission (CEC) of a decision taken earlier on Wednesday.

"The elections committee was informed today by the government that it had decided to hold municipal elections only in the West Bank on October 22," he said.

An official government statement was expected during the evening.

The issue was the subject of a special cabinet session earlier on Wednesday after the CEC sent a letter to say it was proving impossible to prepare for elections in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, the official said.

"We sent a letter to the government to say we cannot work in Gaza to prepare for the elections.

"Until now, Hamas has prevented the elections committee from doing its work in Gaza. Our staff cannot work because our offices are closed and they have confiscated our cars," he said.

There was no immediate reaction from Hamas. more

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