Palestinian legislative election, 2006
Background
The Palestinian legislative election, 2006 was a significant event in the political history of the Palestinian National Authority. This election was the second legislative election to be held by the Palestinian National Authority, following the first one in 1996. The election took place on 25 January 2006, and was marked by the victory of Hamas, a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist organization, over the Fatah, a major secular Palestinian political party.
Political Context
The election took place in a context of political tension and conflict between Israel and the Palestinian territories. The Second Intifada, a period of intensified Israeli-Palestinian violence, had ended just a year before the election. The political landscape was also marked by internal divisions within the Palestinian political scene, with Fatah and Hamas being the two main contenders.
Electoral System
The Palestinian legislative election, 2006, was conducted under a mixed electoral system, combining elements of both proportional representation and constituency-based systems. Half of the 132 seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council were elected through a national party-list system, while the other half were elected in 16 multi-member constituencies across the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Campaign
The campaign period for the election was marked by intense political rivalry between Fatah and Hamas. While Fatah campaigned on a platform of peace negotiations with Israel and economic development, Hamas focused on its resistance to Israeli occupation and its commitment to Palestinian self-determination.
Results
The results of the election were a surprise to many, with Hamas winning a majority of seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council. Hamas won 74 seats, while Fatah won only 45. The remaining seats were won by smaller parties and independents. The election results were seen as a reflection of the Palestinian public's dissatisfaction with Fatah's governance and its perceived corruption.
Aftermath
The aftermath of the election was marked by a period of political instability and conflict. The international community, led by the United States and the European Union, refused to recognize the Hamas-led government due to Hamas' status as a designated terrorist organization. This led to a financial blockade of the Palestinian Authority, exacerbating the economic crisis in the Palestinian territories.
Internally, the election results led to a power struggle between Fatah and Hamas, culminating in the Battle of Gaza in 2007, which resulted in Hamas taking control of the Gaza Strip. This effectively split the Palestinian territories into two separate political entities, with Fatah controlling the West Bank and Hamas controlling the Gaza Strip.
Impact
The impact of the 2006 Palestinian legislative election has been significant and long-lasting. The election marked a turning point in Palestinian politics, with the rise of Hamas as a major political force. The election also had a profound impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the victory of Hamas leading to a hardening of positions on both sides.