Hamas Claims Group Won Majority in Vote
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) -- Hamas' top candidate on Thursday claimed the group won a majority of seats in Palestinian legislative elections, despite exit polls showing the Islamic group finishing second to the ruling Fatah Party.
Ismail Haniyeh issued a statement saying Hamas won "about 70 seats," enough for a majority in the 132-seat parliament. He spoke shortly before the release of preliminary official results.
"In the shadow of the result, Hamas is going to consult with President Abu Mazen about the shape of the political partnership in the future along with the other factions," he said, referring to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.
He did not explain how he got his estimate.
The strong showing by Hamas, which is committed to Israel's destruction, has raised the prospect Fatah would have to form a coalition with the Islamists. Such an alliance could threaten peace prospects with Israel.
Fatah: Hamas Wins Palestinian Elections
JERUSALEM (AP) -- Officials in the ruling Fatah Party said Thursday that Hamas captured a majority of seats in Palestinian legislative elections, shortly after the militant group claimed victory.
The Fatah officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they expected Hamas to win about 70 seats, which would give the Islamists a majority in the 132-seat parliament. They spoke on condition of anonymity because counting in some districts was continuing.
Earlier, Hamas' top candidate, Ismail Haniyeh, said the group had won 70 seats. Exit polls had forecast a narrow Fatah victory. Official results were expected later Thursday.
A victory by Hamas, which is committed to Israel's destruction, would likely jeopardize future Mideast peace moves.
This says a Hamas officialk is claiming victory. The original post said it was a Fatah official. Did both say Hamas won? It could just be propaganda if it is just Hamas claiming victory.