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Amid frustration, Hamas is on rise

JERICHO, West Bank - He's a U.S.-educated professor, the chief negotiator with Israel and one of the most recognizable Palestinian leaders - yet Saeb Erekat's re-election to Parliament may not be a sure thing, even though his challenger is a political rookie.

Erekat's opponent, 36-year-old Khaled Rai, is backed by Hamas, the Islamic militant group poised to make a strong showing against Erekat's Fatah Party in Jan. 25 elections.

Even in this slow-to-change farming town, long considered a safe constituency for Fatah, Hamas is on the rise, capitalizing on voter frustration with Fatah graft and mismanagement during 12 years in power.

Across the West Bank and Gaza, Hamas is closing the gap. A survey published Wednesday indicated 31 percent voter support for Hamas, compared to 35 percent for Fatah. It's a 10-point gain for Hamas from a month ago.

The competition spilled over into violence Wednesday in the town of Salfit in the northern West Bank. Hamas and Fatah supporters scuffled and gunmen on both sides opened fire, witnesses said. One person was slightly wounded before Palestinian police restored order.

For now, Erekat has a comfortable lead, but Rai's supporters count on a come-from-behind victory.

The bearded Rai points to Hamas' achievements in the town of 30,000: It runs a medical clinic and a shelter for 500 children and gives financial aid to 300 families.

Hamas' program focuses on fighting corruption and minimizes its usually fiery rhetoric against Israel - a nod to the voters' desire for a respite from violence. Hamas carried out scores of suicide bombings in Israel, but has largely observed a cease-fire in the past year.

[Last modified January 12, 2006, 01:26:11]