Constitutional Declaration by President Abbas
President Mahmoud Abbas issued a constitutional declaration on October 26, 2025, regarding the assumption of leadership in case of a vacancy.
The declaration states that the Vice President of the PLO will temporarily assume the duties of the President for a period not exceeding 90 days, during which free and direct elections will be held to elect a new president.
in the event of a vacancy in the office of the President of the Palestinian Authority, and in the absence of the Palestine Legislative Council, the Vice President of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), also the Vice President of the State of Palestine, will temporarily assume the duties of the President
The declaration also notes that if elections cannot be conducted within the 90-day timeframe due to force majeure, the period may be extended by a decision of the Palestinian Central Council for one additional term only.
The new declaration revokes the previous declaration No. 1 of 2024 to protect the national interests of the Palestinian people.
Author's summary: Abbas issues declaration on leadership succession.