The Palestinian Authority's senior Muslim judge, Sheikh Taysir Tamimi, has issued a ruling (fatwa) prohibiting Arab residents of Jerusalem from voting in the upcoming municipal elections. The ruling was apparently issued in response to candidates' attempts to recruit Arab voters.
Arab residents of Jerusalem have traditionally refused to vote in city elections, and those who do vote have reported violent attacks from those who do not. PA officials say that voting in Jerusalem elections could demonstrate a recognition of Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem at a time when the PA is attempting to gain control over much of the city.