PSC calls meeting on upcoming Palestinian elections
While we in the UK have regular general and local elections, (even allowing for a year’s Covid disruption), Palestinians are now gearing up for their first elections in 15 years. Hastings & Rye Palestine Solidarity Campaign have arranged an online event with three Palestinian speakers for Wednesday 21st to put this rare happening in context, as the group explains.The Hastings & Rye Palestine Solidarity Campaign [HRPSC] is to host a free Zoom meeting about the upcoming Palestinian elections on Wednesday 21 April at 7pm, titled Palestine: Democracy Under Occupation?
It is the first time Palestinians have been invited to the polls in 15 years, in stark contrast with Israel, where a political impasse has resulted in four elections in under two years. In Palestine, in fact, there are three different elections coming up – legislative elections in May, Presidential elections at the end of July and elections to the Palestinian National Council in August.
Dr Nadia Naser-Najjab
Three prominent Palestinian academics will join the group to discuss and analyse the meaning and possible outcome of these elections: Dr Ramzy Baroud, Dr Nadia Naser-Najjab and Dr Samah Sabawi.
“We are honoured to have these three eminent speakers joining our panel to set the historical context and understand the significance of these elections,” said HRPSC chair Katy Colley.
“To many of us on the outside, it’s difficult to get a handle on Palestinian politics and to understand how the occupation – now in its fifth decade – affects the political landscape. Who are the main players? What are the issues of the day? And what are the likely results of the elections?
“Will the Palestinian ‘Mandela’ become the new President?” (see below).
“Our speakers will bring their unique insight and expert analysis to bear at a critical time when it appears that the status quo may be shifting.”
Dr Ramzy Baroud
Dr Ramzy Baroud is the author of several books on Palestine, edits the Palestine Chronicle and is a regular columnist for news outlets like Middle East Eye, Middle East Monitor and Al Jazeera.
Dr Nadia Naser-Najjab is a lecturer in Palestine Studies at the University of Exeter – in her work she has analysed how political solutions have cemented power imbalances by continually ignoring the settler colonialist process.
Dr Samah Sabawi
And Dr Samah Sabawi is a Palestinian playwright, poet and political commentator. Originally from Gaza, she wages “beautiful resistance” through her art and work. A recipient of multiple awards both nationally and internationally, she is host of the monthly webinar/podcast series The Book Room.
Hosted by Katy Colley, the online meeting is free to join and open to all, but registration is essential. Please register here.
Could Palestinian ‘Mandela’ become the new President?
Is the Palestinian political landscape about to be transformed by the election of a President capable of unifying and leading his people against the Israeli occupation?, writes Katy Colley.
Some have called Marwan Barghouti the ‘Palestinian Mandela’ and he certainly shares much in common with the legendary South African President; he is a political prisoner (imprisoned by the Israelis for 19 years and counting) and considered by many – Palestinians, Israelis and world leaders alike – as a man who could lead his people to freedom.
So what happens if Barghouti runs for President from his prison cell?
Join our incredible line up of experts to learn more about the significance of the upcoming elections and how they could reshape the entire Palestinian cause.
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