Palestinian cabinet resigns en masse
26/01/2006 - 08:54:30The Palestinian cabinet submitted their resignations today following the apparent Hamas victory in legislative elections, Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia’s office said, setting the stage for the Islamic group to lead a new Palestinian government.
The resignations were in part a formality required after an election, but the timing of the move – hours before the release of official results – was surprising. The announcement from Qureia’s office did not mention Hamas.
Under Palestinian law, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas must now ask the party that holds a majority in the legislature to form a new government.
Officials with Hamas and Abbas’ Fatah Party said they expected Hamas to win a solid majority in the parliament. Official results are expected later today.
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