Palestinian presidential election kicks off

    GAZA, Jan. 9 (Xinhuanet) -- Former Palestinian Minister of Internal Security Mohammed Dahlan said Sunday that the Israeli army insists on obstructing the Palestinian presidential election.  

    Speaking to reporters after voting in the southern Gaza Stripcity of Khan Yunis, Dahlan said that Israeli troops still stationed at checkpoints on the main roads of Khan Yunis and this obstructed the Palestinians from moving easily.

    Dahlan said he had to wait at a checkpoint on the Khan Yunisroad.

    As for the ongoing election, he voiced hope that the Palestinians would choose a suitable man who could carry outreforms and improve conditions of the Palestinian people. 

    He said he hopes that the Fatah's candidate Mahmoud Abbas would win the race, adding that it would be a no-easy battle with the Israelis if Abbas won the election.  Enditem