Palestinian politics is divisive and stagnant

Significance

Turnout was 53%, and independents won almost 65% of the seats contested, highlighting Palestinian apathy towards the main political parties. The ballot was held against the background of elevated tensions around the possibility that the Israeli authorities will evict Palestinian families in the East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrar.

Impacts

• A victory by the imprisoned Marwan Barghouti in a Palestinian presidential election would rebuild Fatah’s legitimacy.
• The Palestinian Authority's security relations with Israel will remain strong, reducing the likelihood of serious violence.
• Sustained attacks by Islamic State could erode international support for the Palestinian cause.