Ramallah, October 26 (QNA) - 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 the declaration, under such circumstances, 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 assume the duties of the presidency temporarily.

This interim mandate will not exceed ninety days, during which free and direct elections shall be conducted in accordance with Palestinian electoral law.

Should force majeure prevent elections within this period, the Palestinian Central Council (PCC) may extend the interim once, by decision of the Council.

Abbas further highlighted that the declaration aims to safeguard the Palestinian political system, preserve the sublime precepts of its constitutional institutions, and ensure continuity of governance in the event of a presidential vacancy, reaffirming the principle of separation of powers and the peaceful transfer of authority through free and fair elections.

Under this new declaration, Constitutional Declaration No. (1) of 2024 is revoked. (QNA)