Fatah officials urge Abbas to postpone January 25 election

Mahmoud Abbas is under growing pressure from his Fatah Party to postpone the January 25 parliament election amid fears about a possible Hamas victory, an aide to the Palestinian leader said today.

Abbas is reluctant to delay the vote without Hamas’ consent, the aide said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to discuss the issue with reporters. Hamas has insisted that the election be held on time.