Ramallah: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday issued a constitutional declaration determining the succession of the presidency in the event of a vacancy, particularly in the absence of a functioning Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC).
According to Qatar News Agency, the declaration specifies that the Vice President of the State of Palestine, who also serves as Deputy Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), shall temporarily assume the duties of the presidency. This interim mandate is limited to a maximum of ninety days, during which free and direct elections must be conducted in compliance with Palestinian electoral law.
The declaration further provides that if elections cannot be held within this period due to force majeure, the Palestinian Central Council (PCC) may extend the interim once, through a formal decision by the Council.
Abbas emphasized that the declaration is intended to protect the Palestinian political framework, uphold the core principles of its constitutional institutions, and maintain governance continuity in the event of a presidential vacancy. It reinforces the principle of separation of powers and ensures the peaceful transfer of authority through democratic elections.
As part of this new declaration, Constitutional Declaration No. (1) of 2024 is officially revoked.