Abbas to remain Fatah’s presidential candidate in polls

RAMALLAH

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will be Fatah’s presidential candidate in the forthcoming elections expected to be held in July, the Palestinian prime minister said.

"The Fatah movement has unanimously nominated Abbas," Mohammad Shtayyeh said in an interview with London-based Al-Araby TV, to be fully broadcasted on Thursday.

Abbas has been the leader of Fatah, the largest faction of the Palestine Liberation Organization, and has held the position of president of the Palestinian National Authority since 2005.

After a recent deal with the Palestinian group Hamas, Abbas issued a decree to conduct legislative elections on May 22, presidential elections on July 31 and elections for the National Council, the parliament of the Palestine Liberation Organization which represents Palestinian cause internationally, on Aug. 31.

The last Palestinian elections for the Legislative Council were held in early 2006 in which Hamas won the majority of votes.

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat