RAMALLAH – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has announced general elections to be held after 15 years of rivalry between his Fatah party and the resistance movement Hamas.
Both parties have been divided between Fatah and Hamas since 2006 when the latter scored a landslide victory in parliamentary elections. Hamas has ever since been running the densely-populated coastal enclave, while Fatah has been based in the parts of the Israeli-occupied area.
The announcement of general polls is widely seen as a response to criticism of the democratic authority of Palestinian political institutions, including Abbas's presidency.
The statement also comes days before the oath-taking of US President-elect Joe Biden, with whom the Palestinians want to reset relations.
The decree issued by Abbas's office said Palestine will hold legislative elections on May 22 and a presidential vote on July 31.
Earlier in the year 2006, the last parliamentary elections resulted in a surprise win by Hamas.
Recent polls suggest a tight contest among the two contesting parties. The recent survey of the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research found that 38 percent would vote for Fatah in parliamentary elections and 34 percent for Hamas.
Hamas would have the edge in a presidential vote, with 50 percent preferring Hamas leader Ismail Haniyyeh while the other 43 percent want Abbas to rule.
Pakistani rupee saw slight gains against US dollar in the open market on March 19, 2024, Tuesday.
In the open market, the US dollar was being quoted at 278.6 for buying and 281.45 for selling.
Euro remains unchanged at 303 for buying and 306 for selling while British Pound hovers around 356 for buying, and 359 for selling.
UAE Dirham AED saw slight changes and new rate stands at 75.7 whereas the Saudi Riyal new rates was 73.95.
Currency | Symbol | Buying | Selling |
---|---|---|---|
US Dollar | USD | 278.6 | 281.45 |
Euro | EUR | 303 | 306 |
UK Pound Sterling | GBP | 356 | 359 |
U.A.E Dirham | AED | 75.7 | 76.45 |
Saudi Riyal | SAR | 73.95 | 74.4 |
Australian Dollar | AUD | 182.7 | 184.5 |
Bahrain Dinar | BHD | 741.22 | 749.22 |
Canadian Dollar | CAD | 204 | 206.2 |
China Yuan | CNY | 38.73 | 39.13 |
Danish Krone | DKK | 40.69 | 41.09 |
Hong Kong Dollar | HKD | 35.63 | 35.98 |
Indian Rupee | INR | 3.36 | 3.47 |
Japanese Yen | JPY | 1.86 | 1.94 |
Kuwaiti Dinar | KWD | 903.77 | 912.77 |
Malaysian Ringgit | MYR | 59.25 | 59.85 |
New Zealand Dollar | NZD | 169.5 | 171.5 |
Norwegians Krone | NOK | 26.27 | 26.57 |
Omani Riyal | OMR | 723.7 | 731.7 |
Qatari Riyal | QAR | 76.57 | 77.27 |
Singapore Dollar | SGD | 206 | 208 |
Swedish Korona | SEK | 26.89 | 27.19 |
Swiss Franc | CHF | 315.26 | 317.76 |
Thai Bhat | THB | 7.76 | 7.91 |
Copyright ©2024. Reproduction of this website's content without express written permission from 'Daily Pakistan' is strictly prohibited.