Hamas' Victory in Municipal Elections

Hamas’ sweeping gains in the fourth round of the Palestinian Authority (PA) municipal elections, held on December 16, completed its evolution as the dominant faction in local politics, with significant ramifications for national Palestinian politics as well. Over 1,000,000 Palestinians now live in municipalities governed by Hamas, compared with about 700,000 in municipalities controlled by the hitherto dominant Palestinian movement, Fateh. This accomplishment may serve as a prelude to a Hamas victory, or at least a very great success, in the PA parliamentary elections scheduled for January 2006.