Abbas Sets Temporary Term for Deputy in Case of Palestinian Presidential Vacancy

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a constitutional declaration on Sunday stipulating that the Deputy Chair of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)—who also serves as the President of the State of Palestine—shall temporarily assume the duties of the President of the Palestinian National Authority in the event the presidential office becomes vacant.

The acting term shall not exceed ninety days, during which free and direct elections must be held to choose a new president in accordance with the Palestinian Elections Law. If elections cannot be held within that period due to exceptional circumstances, the term may be extended once by a decision of the Palestinian Central Council, according to the declaration.

The new constitutional declaration also annuls Constitutional Declaration No. (1) of 2024, according to the Palestinian News and Information Agency (WAFA), in order to “preserve the national interest of the Palestinian people.”

In the text of the declaration, Abbas emphasized that the measure aims to protect the Palestinian political system and its institutions, ensuring their continuity in the event of a presidential vacancy. He added that the goal is to uphold the rule of law and individual rights, and to promote democracy, pluralism, and social justice, while adhering to the principle of separation of powers and the peaceful transfer of authority through free and fair elections.