ISRAELI OCCUPIED WEST BANK OF JORDAN: CIVIC ELECTIONEERING IN FULL SWING DESPITE WARNINGS FROM OPPOSITION GROUPS.

Record ID: 400979

  • Title: ISRAELI OCCUPIED WEST BANK OF JORDAN: CIVIC ELECTIONEERING IN FULL SWING DESPITE WARNINGS FROM OPPOSITION GROUPS.
  • Date: 21st March 1972
  • Summary: 1. GV EXT Jericho municipality building 0.06 2. SCU Sign "Jericho Municipality" 0.10 3. SV INT Town clerk and helpers check election list (3 shots) 0.51 4. SV Candidate speaking. 1.01 5. SV Camera crew 1.02 6. GV Mayor Saleh Abdo speaking 1.14 7. SCU Cameraman 1.18 8. GV Mayor ends speech. 1.26 Initials BB/002
  • Embargoed: 5th April 1972 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: JERICHO, WEST BANK OF JORDAN
  • City:
  • Country: Palestinian Territories
  • Reuters ID: LVA16WCKKMHZMKUMW1FNWWHDD89X
  • Story Text: Electioneering for local government posts went into top gear in Israeli-occupied territory along the West Bank of the river Jordan this weekend (March 18). Town officials checked voters' listen, and candidates appeared on Israeli Arab news programme spots, despite warnings from activist groups, against taking part in the elections.

    There are even signs that the old officials, appointed under King hussein before the israeli occupation began, may have difficult holding their jobs. It's not known what effect the King's proposal to give the region autonomy may have on voting.

    In Jericho the present mayor attracted only 100 people to a campaign meeting, compared with more than 400 at opponents' meetings.

    The elections in Jericho and Samaria are set for March 28; others in Judea will be on May 2.

    SYNOPSIS: In Israeli-occupied territory along the west bank of the Jordan, civic election campaigns are in full swing.

    Here in Jericho, and throughout the neighbouring region of Samaria, polling is set for March 28--despite strong opposition from activist groups like the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. For a time many West Bank mayors and councillors had reservations about taking part in the Israeli ordered elections. But by Saturday, the deadline for registering, their names were listed beside those of other candidates for election.

    Television appearances of two-and-a-half minutes each gave the candidates a chance to present their point of view.

    The elections are the first since Israeli forces occupied the territory and extended the terms of office of existing town officials. The fact that the campaigns are going ahead, despite official and unofficial Arab opposition, is considered a great triumph by the israelis. They see it is recognition of their presence on the West Bank.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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