Khalid Meshaal Gaza – Mohammad Habib Informed sources in the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas have said that the movement has completed preparations for its internal elections, in which it will elect a new Shura council and a new political bureau before April 3.
Changes since the last elections include increasing the number of politburo members.
The sources said: “The internal elections of the movement have not started yet, and it is likely that the members in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and abroad will start electing the leadership next week.”
The sources added that, “according to the system and the arrangements made, the lection process will be completed by the end of the month.” Elections this year will take place according to a new electoral system which have not  yet been revealed.
Hamas\'s political bureau consists of representatives of the movement in Gaza, West Bank and abroad. There are currently three politburo members: Mahmoud al-Zahar, Khalil al-Hayya and Nizar Awadallah, while the office is headed by Khaled Meshaal in addition to Moussa Abu Marzouk, deputy head of the political bureau and a number of leaders abroad. However, the members in the West Bank are anonymous, for fear of being arrested by Israel.
According to available information, several leaders are seeking to head the political bureau, although there are some who call for and are pressuring Meshaal to retain his position for another term. However, sources in Hamas say “the determination of the political bureau head is something left to the new Shura council, according to the internal system of the movement.”
According to information circulating within the organisation, “the current elections will witness the emergence of new leaders, especially from the younger generation, and the failure of some leaders to win the Shura Council membership.”
Unlike other Palestinian organisations, Hamas usually handles its leaders\' internal elections in total secrecy, and away from the media.
Palestinian sources  told Arabstoday: “Internal elections will be held on Friday in three of its territories which are Gaza, the West Bank and abroad which includes Arab and European countries.”
Media sources added that  Shura Council elections will be carried out in the first week of April. They will commence at  the same time in Gaza and abroad, and  the head of the political bureau will be selected from names put forward by the Shura council.
Salah Bardwail, a leader in Hamas,  said that  the internal elections of Hamas take place regularly every three years.
The Shura council in the Gaza Strip comprises between 50 to 60 members, with the possibility to add new members with a record of experience and efficiency.
As for the essential requirements of a Shura Council candidate, Bardawil said: “He has to be efficient, of  sound view and able to act as a calm and balanced reference.”