Hamas has taken a call made by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the UN General Assembly for general elections seriously, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qasem said Wednesday evening.

In a press release, Qasem stressed that the general elections including legislative and presidential polls should be held simultaneously, as per the Palestinian Law and reconciliation agreements.

Qasem hoped that Abbas would take all steps required to hold the elections in all Palestinian territories, noting that such a move should be made by national consensus in a way that guarantees the transparency of the elections and makes sure that it reflects the will of Palestinian public.  

 “Hamas is with the election… It had participated in the elections in 2006 with a national responsibility and secured a majority,” Qasem confirmed.

Qasem reiterated his movement’s acceptance of a national vision presented by eight Palestinian factions to end the internal division, urging the PA President to agree on this move.

The Hamas spokesperson added that the factional intuitive is the “most suitable path towards a national consensus that will lead to true elections reflecting the will of Palestinian people.”

Qasem reaffirmed that Hamas would “respect” any election results “with complete responsibility, even if it didn’t come in its favour.”

“We’ll act with national and moral responsibility just as we do every time,” Qasem continued. 

As for head of Palestinian Central Election Committee Hanna Nasser’s expected visit to Gaza, Qasem stressed that his movement would receive and inform Nasser of its position on elections.  

“Hamas will remain committed to the option of reconciliation, which has no alternative, until unifying the Palestinian political system,” Qasem concluded.