Candidates affiliated with the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) won the largest number of seats in the Student Council Conference, securing 25 out of 51 seats at Birzeit University today, in a vote that represents a rare test of Palestinian voter sentiments. The last time Palestinians voted in parliamentary elections was nearly two decades ago. Recent surveys indicate that almost 80% of Palestinians want Abbas to resign. The surveys also showed a growing support for armed groups. However, with the Israeli army and the Palestinian Authority imposing restrictions, students say that "universities are among the few places in the West Bank that remain relatively open to student organizations." Hamas took advantage of student voting across the West Bank to strengthen its presence in the area.
Rare Test of Palestinian Voter Sentiments
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