Mahmoud Abbas Announces New Decision on Palestinian Authority Leadership
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Wafa News Agency, Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, issued a legal statement establishing that if the position of PA president becomes vacant and there is no Legislative Council, the Vice Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s Executive Committee will temporarily assume duty for leading the Authority.
This interim period must not exceed ninety days. During this time, free and direct elections for a new president shall be held in accordance with palestinian electoral law.
If holding elections within this period is unfeasible due to “force majeure” (emergency or uncontrollable circumstances), the Palestinian Central Council may extend this period once more for an additional term.
Mahmoud Abbas emphasized: “Given national interests and maintaining stability, we have issued this constitutional statement to underscore the principles of separation of powers and peaceful transfer of authority through free and fair elections.”
