FiMED – Follow-up

The Union of Palestinian Communities, Institutions and Activities in Europe, "Ajma", held a political seminar on the evening of Friday 25 September entitled "The Palestinian and Israeli Elections and Their Impact on the Palestinian People", with An-Najah National University political science professor Dr. Hassan Ayoub and writer and political researcher Ameer Makhoul from Palestinians inside Israel, moderated by union board member Maan Jalbout.

The seminar, attended by members of Palestinian communities and people interested in political affairs, discussed the upcoming Palestinian elections, in particular the National Council and Legislative Council elections, as well as the electoral and political landscape inside Israel and its implications for Palestinians.

Rishmawi: elections are an inclusive national matter

The chairman of Ajma's board, Dr. George Rishmawi, said the Palestinian elections, especially the National Council and Legislative Council elections, should be treated as an inclusive national undertaking, calling for deeper Palestinian dialogue and broader political participation by all components of the Palestinian people at home and in the diaspora.

Rishmawi stressed the importance of ending monopoly and exclusion and strengthening partnership and pluralism, as well as discussing the future of national institutions, above all the Palestine Liberation Organisation, and the mechanisms for rebuilding and developing them.

He said the union's vision is based on preserving the unity of the people, the cause and national identity, while affirming Palestinian rights, foremost among them the right of return, self-determination and an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Hassan Ayoub: consensus on elections is essential

Dr. Hassan Ayoub addressed the political context of the Palestinian and Israeli elections, warning that holding Palestinian elections without national consensus could, in his assessment, lead to further internal polarisation.

He said what is needed is "national consensus on the legislative elections and the National Council elections", warning against electoral competition turning into internal conflict and stressing that Palestinians, in his view, still face tasks linked to national liberation, which require the participation of all forces and components.

Ameer Makhoul: the Israeli elections and their implications

Researcher and political activist Ameer Makhoul offered a reading of the changes within Israeli society and politics and their consequences for Palestinians inside Israel and for the Palestinian cause in general.

Makhoul said the coming period will, in his view, be shaped by the positions of Arab, regional and international actors, stressing the importance of the Palestinian cause regaining its place in the Arab sphere and drawing on international solidarity movements.

He also discussed the nature of political competition inside Israel and the participation of Arab parties in the elections, amid what he described as attempts to restrict their political presence and demands to disqualify Arab lists and figures.

Discussion on Palestinians inside and in the diaspora

The seminar included a discussion with the audience on the future of the Palestinian political system, the role of elected institutions, the participation of Palestinians in the diaspora, and the relationship between Palestinians inside and outside.

At the close of the seminar, Ajma stressed the importance of continuing Palestinian dialogue on national issues and strengthening communication among Palestinians wherever they live, in a way that supports the unity of the cause and Palestinian rights and strengthens their political presence in Europe and on the international stage.