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Palestinian politicians anxious to hit campaign trail after 11 years

In the Gaza Strip, where the last local council elections were held in 2005, political parties are launching their campaigns a little early.

ThanksHamasScreengrab.jpg
A still from a Hamas campaign video called "Thanks Hamas." Films like this, most notably championing either Hamas or Fatah, started appearing on the internet in August in violation of Palestinian local electoral laws, Gaza Strip, Aug. 4, 2016. — YouTube/Ali Mohammed

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — In some countries where electioneering can be a yearslong marathon, it might seem odd that not only are local Palestinian political candidates limited to two weeks of campaigning, they are being called out for jumping the gun.

Campaigning for the Oct. 8 Palestinian local elections officially starts Sept. 24. However, some campaigning has started early, especially in the Gaza Strip, where the last local elections were held in 2005 and suspended ever since due to the Palestinian internal conflict.

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