The Palestinian Election and the Road Ahead

In the January 9 election to succeed Yasir Arafat as Chairman of the Palestinian Authority (PA), Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) emerged with a majority of 62%. The runner-up, with about 20%, was Dr. Mustapha Barghouti, representing the leftist forces and those who support continuation of the “armed intifada.” Other candidates failed to gain more than single-digit support. About 75% of registered voters cast ballots.