GAZA, Dec. 23 (Xinhuanet) -- The Islamic resistance movement Hamas announced Thursday that it would participate in the municipal elections launched in 26 municipal election centers.

   "Hamas movement strongly supports a comprehensive change," the movement said in a statement sent to reporters.

   Holding municipal elections in three stages in the West Bank and Gaza had been criticized by some Palestinian factions, in particular Hamas, which sees there is no justification for holding it on stages.

   The ministry of municipal affairs said the reason behind dividing the municipal elections into stages "is due to the Israeli army security measures imposed on the Palestinian territories, mainly the sieges and closures."

   The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) reiterated that holding municipal elections "is a national demand" and was prepared before late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat passed away on Nov. 11.

   "The aim of holding elections is in general to reinforce democracy and rebuild the Palestinian institutions democratically.

    Municipal councils won't be active without holding democratic elections," said the PNA in a statement.  Enditem