GAZA, Jan. 26 (Xinhuanet) -- A spokesman of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) announced on Thursday that the group has won 77 seats in the 132-member Palestinian parliament.

   Mushir al-Masri told reporters that Hamas garnered 44 seats out of the 66 seats up for grab in the districts and 33 seats of the 66 members to be chosen along party lists, defeating the mainstream Fatah movement.

   Al-Masri said that the figures were based on countings by Hamas election monitors at polling stations across the Palestinian territories.

   Final results of Wednesday's key ballot are expected to be announced by the Palestinian Central Election Commission at around 7:00 p.m. (1700 GMT).

   If confirmed winner, Hamas, which publicly commits itself to Israel's destruction, will set up a new Palestinian government, which might reshape the political landscape of the Mideast peace process. Enditem