Fatah: Elections are the only way to achieve partnership

Fatah's spokesman in Gaza on Saturday called on Hamas to allow the Central Elections Commission to work freely in the coastal enclave. Fayez Abu Atiya said elections were the only way to achieve political partnership, stating that achieving national unity is a key strategic position for the Fatah movement. The electoral body reopened its Gaza headquarters in January after a two-year closure. Hamas shut down the office in November 2009 saying fair elections could not be held while political activists were threatened by the infighting. On May 4, 2011, President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah and Hamas chief Khalid Mashaal pledged in Cairo to form a government to prepare for elections within one year, but the parties continue to lead separate governments in the West Bank and Gaza.