Palestinian Leader Says He's Nervous About Election Outcome

Jan. 24, 2006 — -- Fatah, the movement founded by the late Yasser Arafat, has led the Palestinian struggle virtually unopposed for more than 40 years. But its leader, Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian National Authority, told ABC News' Bob Woodruff in an exclusive interview that he worries that Fatah could be about to lose its grip on power.

Palestinians will elect a new parliament Wednesday.

"I am worried," Abbas he said. "I cannot say that I am relaxed. I am worried because I want to see the result of these elections."

Hamas, the group challenging Fatah's leadership, is considered a terrorist organization by the United States, Israel and the European Union.

Its charter calls for the destruction of Israel, but Hamas leaders now downplay that threat. They have proved to be master campaigners, promising to curtail Fatah's well-known corruption and to stand up to Israel.

On the eve of the election, Hamas is surging in the polls.

Woodruff: Could you have predicted five years ago that Hamas would be this popular and this powerful?

Abbas: No.

Woodruff: How do you explain it? Is it because of Fatah's failure?

Abbas: It is because of Fatah's mistakes. This is one reason.

In the past, Hamas had refused to participate in elections, choosing instead armed struggle against Israel. But after losing so many top leaders in Israeli attacks, it agreed to a cease-fire last year. In return, Abbas allowed the Islamic movement to run for office.

Woodruff: Do you worry Hamas is going to be much more extreme in its religious views and impose Islamic law?

Abbas: Of course, they will try. They will try, but I don't think they will succeed in our community.

Hamas has already succeeded politically, gaining power on dozens of town councils and in four major cities within the past month. It's building popularity by setting up free schools and medical clinics and by feeding the poor.

On the streets of Gaza today, many Hamas supporters said they simply want change.

But if Hamas wins tomorrow, it would be a major blow to U.S. policy. Because it's considered a terrorist group, the United States and Europe would likely suspend hundreds of millions of dollars in Palestinian aid.

And the peace process? Hamas' top leader, Mahmoud Al-Zahar, told ABC News today he would not deal directly with Israel.

Woodruff: Would you negotiate with Israel through a third party?

Mahmoud Al-Zahar: If they are going to release our people from the Israeli jail -- yes. And if they are going to withdraw from the West Bank -- yes.

Woodruff: What will you give them in return?

Zahar: We are not in the market. Our land was stolen, and we are restoring part of our rights.

And despite all its political success, there is no indication Hamas is giving up its guns.