The Chinese government hopes that Palestine's legislative elections would help restart the stalled peace talks in the Middle East, the head of China's observer mission told Xinhua in Ramallah on Sunday.

 

"There's no doubt that an effective internal management will promote the Palestinian authorities' influence on the peace process. The elections will help push forward the development of the peace talks," said An Huihou, head of the six-member Chinese observer mission for monitoring the upcoming elections.

 

"The Chinese government and people will continue to unswervingly support the Palestinians' struggle and desire to recover the occupied territories and gradually realize its goal of establishing an independent state," An said.

 

The six Chinese observers arrived in Ramallah on Sunday.

 

The elections, to be held in the West Bank, the Gaza strip and East Jerusalem on Wednesday, will be the second poll since 1996. One hundred and thirty two legislators will be elected.

 

Around 850 observers from across the world are to monitor the elections in a bid to ensure transparency and effectiveness, according to the Palestinian Central Elections Committee.

 

As to the Islamic Resistance Movement's (Hamas) participation in the elections for the first time, An said it would result in "a better expression of public opinion and a more contested election."

 

He added that Hamas' participation will make the ruling Fatah party devote more to internal reform in an effort to win more support from the Palestinian people.

 

An stressed that despite some difficulties in election preparations, various signs have shown that all the parties are looking forward to a successful election.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 23, 2006)