Change from Within is a Protection for the Movement, Not a Rebellion Against It

 
In all major national movements, internal criticism and calls for reform have been part of the strength factors, not signs of weakness. Movements that fear review eventually transform into rigid structures, while vibrant movements possess the courage to acknowledge flaws and strive to correct them to preserve their history and future. From this perspective, the discussion about the necessity of amending the internal system and the mechanisms of holding movement conferences within Fatah should not be understood as an act of rebellion or defiance, but rather as part of a genuine concern for the movement, its image, and its unity.

Experiences have proven that keeping the mechanisms for conference preparation in the hands of limited circles opens the door to a widespread sentiment among cadres that outcomes are predetermined, or at least directed to serve certain balances. Here lies the real danger, because the most serious challenge any organization faces is not losing internal elections but losing trust in the fairness of the process itself.

The painful irony, which drives many to repeat the saying "the worst of calamities can be amusing," is that an elected individual can, in one way or another, influence the choice of their electors, while in any democratic process, the organizational base should be the one making a free and independent decision. Therefore, reviewing these mechanisms is no longer an organizational luxury, but a necessity to protect the credibility of the movement and enhance its internal unity.

Nonetheless, the call for reform must remain internal to the Fatah house, with a spirit of responsibility, belonging, and commitment, away from defamation or abuse or turning organizational disagreements into hostility. Fatah is not merely an organizational framework, but a long history of sacrifices, martyrs, prisoners, and national struggle, and it is the duty of all its sons to keep it strong, united, and capable of renewing itself.

True change is not about dismantling institutions but about reforming them. It is not about withdrawal or despair, but about patience, work, accumulation, and internal democratic struggle. Great movements develop only when their members dare to speak the truth sincerely while simultaneously maintaining their unity, dignity, and national responsibility.

Therefore, what is required today is not to deepen the division but to open the door for a serious review of the internal system, broaden participation, enhance transparency, and ensure equal opportunities for everyone, so that every Fatah cadre feels their voice is impactful, and that their history, struggle, and competence are the true criteria for advancement within the movement.

The most dangerous aspect of Fatah's internal system is allowing the preparatory committee for the general movement conference to run for election to the Revolutionary Council and the Central Committee, leading to a constant state of doubt about the results, as this committee is the one that approves the members and sometimes directly or indirectly agrees on the shares among influential members of this committee. This article must be amended to ensure that members of the preparatory committee are not allowed to run, guaranteeing fairness, transparency, integrity, and ensuring the principle of equal opportunities.

This point was boldly raised at the eighth conference, and while the idea received a warm applause and the will of everyone, the conference president did not subject it to a vote, and some members of the Central Committee united to oppose the idea.

Protecting the movement does not mean remaining silent about flaws, just as calling for reform does not mean abandoning belonging. Between these two principles remains the national and organizational responsibility: to remain loyal to the Fatah movement and to work on developing it from within, as it has been and will remain the title of the Palestinian national project and the bearer of its flag through all phases.