Islam Times - Mahmoud Abbas losing popularity in favor of Hamas leader Haniyeh: Survey

Islam Times - A new survey has found that the popularity of acting Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas has declined in favor of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

According to a survey conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research Khalil Shikaki, Abbas has lost popularity by five percent in just three months while Haniyeh’s popularity has risen by 2 percent in the same period.

The survey shows that in the event of a presidential election, Abbas would win 49% of the votes against 44% for Haniyeh. A similar survey carried out three months ago gave Abbas 54% and Haniyeh a 42% chance to win the election.

The latest survey, which was conducted in the occupied West Bank, East al-Quds (Jerusalem), and Gaza Strip, shows that Abbas has stronger support in the West Bank with a 7% lead over Haniyeh while he has only a 4% lead in Gaza.

The poll has also revealed that if Hamas’ Marwan Barghouti, who is serving five life sentences in an Israeli jail, could contest the presidential election against Haniyeh, he would win 60% of the vote while the Hamas leader would receive 34%.

It also said that in a three-way contest, Barghouti would win 37% of the vote, Haniyeh would win 33%, and Abbas would trail behind with just 25% support.