Badran: Hamas will participate in elections within the broadest national coalition

Hamas leader Hussam Badran affirmed that the movement will participate in the legislative and National Council elections scheduled for next November, within the broadest possible national coalition, rejecting any preconditions. He revealed consultations with factions including Islamic Jihad and the Popular and Democratic Fronts to form a unified list, calling for simultaneous presidential elections and urging Egypt to sponsor a national dialogue.

Hamas leader Hussam Badran affirmed that the movement has decided to participate in the legislative and National Council elections scheduled for next November, stressing its rejection of any attempt to exclude it or reshape the Palestinian political system away from the popular will. In press statements on Wednesday, Badran said Hamas seeks to contest the electoral entitlement within the 'largest and broadest possible national coalition,' comprising factions, political forces, and independent figures, noting that the movement's political, legal, and media committees in the West Bank, Gaza, and abroad have begun their preparations for the elections. He considered the elections a 'historic opportunity' to end the state of unilateralism in national decision-making that has persisted for nearly two decades, affirming that the Palestinian people's right to choose their leaders is an inherent right. He revealed that the movement has been conducting consultations for over a month with factions including Islamic Jihad, the Popular and Democratic Fronts, the National Initiative, and the Democratic Reform current in Fatah, aiming to form a broad electoral list. He explained that the coalition will prioritize relief for Gaza, reconstruction, support for the West Bank, and confronting settlement. He called for holding presidential elections simultaneously with the legislative ones, and rejected relying on appointment to decide National Council seats abroad. He also urged Egypt to sponsor a comprehensive national dialogue in Cairo. On the war cessation file, he affirmed the movement's approval of the 15-point 'roadmap' plan.