Grassroots Notes on the Palestinian Elections:

Since political parties were prohibited from canvassing on election day, the Palestinian branch of OneVoice was the single organization getting out the vote across the West Bank and Gaza on Sunday, with OV vans blasting out music and canvassers walking into stores to encourage participation.  Hamas had issued a call to boycott the elections amidst concerns that despair and fatalism would discourage voters.  As of the early afternoon, less than 30% of registered voters had shown up at the polls.  By the end, about 70% voted, and Abu Mazen was elected with a strong mandate by 66% to 70% of them.  Below are some stories from the ground.