UAE expats call for fair vote

Dubai: Many Palestinian expatriates living in the UAE have unanimously agreed the elections are a great step towards achieving their dream of establishing an independent state and regaining their legitimate rights.

Gulf News asked some of them what they thought about the elections and what they think the future holds.

Nael Saleem, 48, a press officer for the Bonyan Group, said: "All Palestinians of various political affiliations and armed groups should take part in such a landmark election to have their say in shaping the future of their country."

The results should be respected irrespective of who wins the elections, he added.

Achievement

Wiaam Rabah, 27, a sales consultant, said: "Palestinians must perform their right like other nations in the world. However, the elections should be free and fair, so that Palestinians elect whoever they believe can represent them in parliament."

Mousa. A, 55, a retired pilot, said: "The elections are an achievement for the Palestinian people, but I believe the results are already known, because the United States and Israel want to prevent Hamas candidates from winning the majority of seats in parliament."

He questioned whether the US would accept others intervening in its domestic affairs.

Raeef Al Salous, 39, a manager, said: "As we hope a real democracy will be established in our homeland, we wish the elections to be fair and free.

"The elections are a step in the right direction, we hope the US and the international community will honour the results of the elections if they are really interested in achieving democracy in the Arab region as they always say."

Afaf Yousuf, 45, a teacher and mother of five, believes the US will try hard to prevent Hamas from being part of the Palestinian political process and will do anything to support candidates from the Fatah faction to win the elections.

No right

"The US has no right to decide another nation's fate, and hence, it should not interfere in the elections to allow certain groups to win the elections," she added.

Jamal Al Ramahi, 40, a marketing manager, said all Palestinian groups should participate in forming a national cabinet, "calling on Palestinians to prevent any attempts to sabotage the elections".