Hamas success in Fatah heartland
By Matthew Price BBC News, Qalqilya

Palestinians have started registering to vote in their parliamentary election, due to be held in July, when significant gains are predicted for the political wing of the Islamic militant group Hamas.

In local elections last week Hamas took over one third of the municipal councils, wresting control of them from the biggest force in Palestinian politics, the secular Fatah party.

When you drive into Qalqilya the first thing you notice are the pro-Hamas slogans - bright red graffiti painted on white walls. One reads: "Strength, honesty, credibility."

The residents of Qalqilya clearly took notice when they voted in the recent Palestinian local elections

They elected a town council run entirely by Islamic parties, and dominated by Hamas.
On a nearby street corner, sat on plastic chairs, is a group of friends deep in a finger-jabbing political discussion.

Some voted Hamas, others for the secular Fatah party which has dominated Palestinian politics for decades.

One man, Omar who voted Hamas, says he wanted change.

Another, Yousef, tells me he expects support for the Islamic parties will grow because people are losing faith in Fatah.

'Clean alternative'

Across the road is Hasham's pharmacy. Behind the counter is the new mayor of Qalqilya. Hasham al-Masri - neatly turned out in a brown suit, with his white medical cloak over the top.
Mr Masri is delighted with Hamas's showing in the local elections.

"The people elected us for several reasons. They liked our programme. An Islamic programme."
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