Palestinians voting for new mayors, local councilsOctober 20, 2012 - 10:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Palestinians have begun voting for new mayors and local councils across the West Bank Saturday, Oct 20, in the first election here in six years, The Associated Press reports. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his Fatah movement hope the vote in 93 communities will revive flagging popular support. Some 515,000 registered voters are eligible and results are expected Sunday. But there's widespread voter apathy. That's in part because Fatah's main rival, the Islamic militant Hamas, is boycotting the West Bank election and has banned voting in Gaza, the territory it seized from Abbas in 2007. Hamas says the political camps must reconcile ahead of any elections. Even with Hamas out of the picture, Fatah could still lose. In several towns, Fatah renegades are competing against the official Fatah slates. A low turnout would also boost Hamas, according to the AP. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. “By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents. The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. |