The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) hailed on Tuesday Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas' decision to return an amended election law draft to the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) for approval.

Senior Hamas official Mohammed Ghazzal told the Voice of Palestine that Abbas' decision was logic and acceptable and would strengthen national unity, adding Hamas supported the amended election law.

Ghazzal also called upon the PLC to perform its duty and pass the law.

On late Monday, Abbas issued a presidential degree that says a new date for the postponed legislative elections will be set after the parliament okays the amended law draft which stipulates 50 percent of lawmakers shall be elected by constituency and the other half by a national ballot along party slates.

Abbas announced to postpone the polls earlier this month to seek to settle disputes with the parliament over the new law.

The original draft, passed by the parliament in the first and second readings, increased 88 seats in the parliament to 132 and said two-thirds of the legislators shall be elected by constituency while the rest chosen at large.

The postponement of the legislative elections has sparked opposition from Hamas, which poses a tough challenge to the ruling Fatah movement led by Abbas.

Source: Xinhua