Dec 10 (Reuters) - Below are answers to some questions about deepening political tensions between the governing Palestinian movement Hamas and President Mahmoud Abbas. WHAT IS THE LATEST? Abbas's aides say the president plans to call early elections to break a deadlock with Hamas Islamists over forming a unity government that Palestinians had hoped would end a crippling Western boycott of the Hamas administration. They say Abbas will make the announcement in a speech expected on Saturday. Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, a senior Hamas leader, has accused Abbas and his Fatah faction of trying to topple the government. WILL ABBAS ACT? Abbas's aides have been warning for months the president would sack the government. Abbas has been more circumspect, saying all options were open. His aides said he had told them his repeated efforts to convince Hamas to moderate had failed, leaving him no choice but to propose early presidential and parliamentary elections. Some analysts question whether Abbas would risk possible civil war by firing the government and calling fresh elections. Only last week he said he hoped a unity cabinet could still be formed. WHY HAVE UNITY TALKS FAILED? One key dispute has been over which faction would control key portfolios, such as the interior and finance ministry posts. Hamas has also refused to soften its stance on Israel, a critical element to getting Western sanctions lifted. WHAT ARE ABBAS'S CONSTITUTIONAL POWERS? The president has the authority to dismiss the prime minister, which would effectively remove the government. Abbas could appoint a new prime minister, who would then name a cabinet, but this would require the approval of parliament, where Hamas has a majority. Abbas could declare a state of emergency to sack the government. He could also issue a presidential decree calling for a referendum. EARLY ELECTIONS? The basic law, which acts as a constitution, has no provision on calling early parliamentary elections. Fatah officials say Abbas can do this by issuing a presidential decree. Hamas contends it would be illegal while some experts say it would be impossible without the legal framework. Calling new presidential elections would mean changing the basic law -- unless Abbas were to step down, thus leaving the post vacant. WHAT WILL HAMAS DO? Hamas is likely to reject the calling of parliamentary elections and could seek to block the move through the legislature. It could boycott a fresh poll or order its supporters onto the streets in protest, a move that would be sure to spark violence. Hamas, however, would probably be happy to contest only presidential elections, which it would see as a way to consolidate its power. Opinion polls gauging the popularity of Hamas and Fatah show neither would be the clear winner of a parliamentary election. THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY? Israel and the West would be happy to see the end of the Hamas government. However, any surge in internal Palestinian violence could also derail a shaky ceasefire in Gaza between militants and Israel that the international community hopes could lead to renewed peacemaking.
