RAMALLAH, West Bank – In a draft resolution likely to be adopted, a top PLO body asked President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday to hold early presidential and legislative elections.

Abbas had asked the PLO’s Central Council on Wednesday to endorse such elections. The council is dominated by members from Abbas’ Fatah movement and is likely to approve the idea.

The Islamic militant Hamas, which won parliament elections last year and took control of Gaza by force last month, vehemently opposes holding new elections.

Saleh Rafat, head of the Central Council’s drafting committee, said the council would be asked to approve a resolution calling for early elections. The draft also demands that Hamas reverse its Gaza takeover.

A formal decision is expected late Thursday or early Friday.

A service of the Associated Press(AP)