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Palestinian pres. enacts decree on holding general polls

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas with head of the CEC Hanna Nasser
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas with head of the CEC Hanna Nasser
RAMALLAH, Jan 15 (KUNA) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday issued a presidential decree on holding legislative, presidential and National Council elections on three phases this year.
Under the decree, the presidential election will be held on July 31, the legislative poll on May 22, and the Palestinian National Council election on August 31, according to Palestinian news agency (Wafa).
Abbas directed the Central Elections Commission (CEC) and all relevant state agencies to begin launching a democratic electoral campaign in all governorates, including Jerusalem, a national dialogue on this process, the agency reported.
Abbas issued the decree while receiving head of the CEC Hanna Nasser at the presidential H.Q in Ramallah, in the West Bank.
The last legislative election was held in 2006 in which Hamas movement won the majority of the legislative council representing Palestinians in the Wes Bank, including Jerusalem and the besieged Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, Hamas welcomed the decision of President Abbas on organizing the general elections.
In a press statement, it said "we welcomed the issuance of the decree on holding the elections of the national and legislative councils, and presidency".
"Throughout the past months, we worked to overcome all obstacles to reach this day," it added. (end) nq.mmj.hm