Reply #90: Total control of Gaza ended with Oslo II in 1995

[oberliner]

CNN January 20, 1996: Palestinians turn out for historic vote

WEST BANK (CNN) -- Polls opened in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem early Saturday, giving Palestinians their first chance to do something they have never done before: vote. Election officials say the early turnout to choose a president and legislative council is heavy.

Voting "The biggest problem is that the ballot boxes which were designed to international standards filled up at 11 o'clock (0900 GMT), four hours after the polls opened," said Mahmoud Abbas, better known as Abu Mazen, the head of the Palestinian election commission.

To many Palestinians, voting means the chance to recover hope; others see it as a meaningless gesture. Abed Abu Diab says this election is about dreams. Not only is it the first time he's run for elected office -- a seat on the Palestinian Council -- it is the first time he will be allowed to vote.

For Diab and a million other Palestinians who have lived most of their lives under Israeli rule, these elections are the stuff dreams are made of.

"For 28 years, we were under occupation, and occupation means you lose your control of your destiny. By casting your vote you are regaining the control of your destiny. It is the meaning of voting," said Palestinian political analyst Ali Jirbawi.

Just over a million Palestinians registered to vote. Of the 90 percent eligible, more than a third of a million are in Gaza, over half a million are on the West Bank and more than 76,000 are in east Jerusalem.

Some say that the democratic process is being sold as a remedy for all that has befallen Palestinians.

"This will reverse the whole attitude of victimization. This will activate the people's participation. Voters will start creating systems rather than individuals. It is the beginning of the exercise of sovereignty," said Palestinian Council Candidate Hanan Ashrawi.

http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9601/palestine_elex /