Kathmandu— High-level delegations from the Fatah movement, which dominates the Palestinian Authority (PA), and the Democratic Reform bloc led by former official Mohammed Dahlan met in Alamein, Egypt on Monday for reconciliation talks amid growing concerns over a potential opposition alliance with Hamas ahead of planned November legislative elections. The meeting was prompted by discussions between Dahlan’s group, Hamas, and other factions to form a coalition that could challenge Fatah's dominance, raising the stakes for PA President Mahmoud Abbas as he nears the end of his tenure and faces internal dissent. Analysts say Fatah hopes to neutralize Dahlan’s participation in any unified opposition, while Dahlan seeks a path back into formal Palestinian politics after years in exile.

Growing Opposition Coalition

Fatah's rivals are actively exploring the formation of a broad coalition for the upcoming elections. Hamas official Husam Badran confirmed recent meetings with Democratic Reform, as well as Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, to create a national bloc to contest the polls – the first since 2006. The meeting between Dahlan and Hamas is particularly noteworthy given their past rivalry in Gaza, culminating in the 2007 conflict that saw Fatah ousted from the enclave.

Fatah’s Concerns and Objectives

The proposed anti-Fatah bloc has alarmed the movement's leadership, driving Monday’s meeting. Political analyst Ahmed al-Tanani explained that “the main goal that the Fatah delegation came for is to neutralise the Dahlan participation in this alliance.” A unified opposition would highlight Fatah’s internal divisions, as Democratic Reform consists of former Fatah officials who broke away over disagreements with Abbas. Samir al-Mashharawi, deputy leader of Democratic Reform, described the initial atmosphere as positive but stressed that “nothing ‘practical’” had been agreed upon and called for Abbas to make “decisive decisions” to unite the movement.

Succession Dynamics and Internal Rivalries

With Abbas, now 90 years old, facing widespread opposition, questions of succession are also at play. Dahlan is considered a potential successor, but reintegrating him into Fatah would be complex. According to al-Tanani, absorbing Democratic Reform “would mean a widespread internal coup and a threat to the interests of the current leadership.” This could also jeopardize the prospects of Abbas’s son, Yasser, who recently secured a seat on Fatah’s Central Committee. Other potential contenders include Marwan Barghouti, currently imprisoned by Israel, and Nasser al-Qudwa.

Regional and International Factors

International pressure has contributed to Abbas's decision to hold elections after years of delays, as part of a wider reform agenda supported by European and Arab governments. For Dahlan, the elections offer an opportunity to re-establish himself within Palestinian politics despite living in the United Arab Emirates for years. Hamas also appears to be adopting a pragmatic approach, recognizing Dahlan’s connections with regional and international players like Europe, the UAE, Egypt, and the United States.

Uncertain Future of Elections

Despite preparations underway, questions remain about whether the elections will actually alter the existing balance of power or even take place. Abbas retains significant leverage through his control over appointments to the Palestinian National Council, potentially allowing him to overturn any majority achieved in legislative elections. Analyst Eyad al-Qarra warned that if Abbas perceives the opposition alliance as a serious threat, he may postpone the elections again, citing various justifications.

While Fatah seeks to neutralize Dahlan and prevent a unified opposition, the future of the Palestinian elections remains uncertain, dependent on both internal political maneuvering and external pressures.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.