We are endlessly being told that Hamas won an election in 2006 and therefore should be considered the democratic, legitimate rulers of Palestine. This is a particularly perverse understanding of democracy and legitimate government.
Democracy is not simply about holding an election once in a blue moon, it is about allowing the elements vital to a democracy (free spech, free press, freedom of association and so on) to flourish. It is about holding free and fair elections on a regular basis. It most certainly is not about killing opponents or this:
The Islamist movement Hamas has told Palestinians in the Gaza Strip not to take part in elections called by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.
Hamas said the elections set for 24 January had been called without its agreement and were illegal.
It said anyone in Gaza who co-operated with the poll would be “dealt with by the ministry or by other means”.