Palestinians in 26 West Bank Communities were scheduled to vote today in municipal elections for council seats in what some observers called a test run for the upcoming January 9th presidential elections. Municipal elections have not been held in the West Bank since 1976.

Prime Minister Ahmed Queria enthusiastically called the elections, 'the first step toward the establishment of the Palestinian state' and encouraged registered voters to go to the polls.

For the last 28 years, either the Israeli military or the Palestinian Authority have merely appointed mayors and other local officials to run Palestinian communities on the West Bank. Many feel that the late Yasser Arafat had been fearful of allowing local elections since it might allow hardline groups such as Hamas to increase their power and influence in the region. By making appointments instead of allowing elections, Arafat was able to keep his Fatah faction of the PLO in power.

While Hamas is boycotting next month's presidential elections, they are running candidates in today's municipal elections. The United States considers Hamas a terrorist organization. It refuses to recognize Israel's right to exist and has been responsible for numerous suicide bombings that have killed innocent civilians in Israel.

Despite the direct competition, Fatah leader Hussein Sheikh was confident of victory. 'It will be a challenge between Fatah and Hamas. It shows Palestinians are thirsty for democracy, and I can assure you Fatah will win,' he said.