Palestinian election officials have recommended calling off the presidential election due in January next year.<br/><br/>Blaming the rival Hamas group, which controls the Gaza Strip for holding up the vote, the chairman of the Palestinian election commission, Hanna Nasser said that it had refused to cooperate with election workers, making it impossible to hold the election on 24th January.<br/><br/>Analysts say that the postponement will help Fatah group to pursue President Mahmoud Abbas to back off his threats to step down and remain in office while reconciliation efforts between Fatah and Hamas may also renew.<br/><br/>Abbas last month announced the election but Hamas opposing the announcement has repeatedly said it would not cooperate with the vote.