Fatah Party calls off West Bank primary elections

The dominant Fatah movement called off primary elections in two West Bank towns today due to disagreements over voter eligibility, party officials said.

The decision was the latest setback for Fatah as it gears up for January parliamentary elections, in which it is expected to face a formidable challenge from the Islamic group Hamas.

Fatah officials said voting was cancelled in the towns of Salfit and Qalqiliya.

They said some candidates favoured a widespread registration drive, while others wanted to limit voting to party members and activists.

Earlier this week, results in the Gaza Strip were nullified after gunmen attacked polling stations.