Palestine to Install a Vice-President for an Initial Term
Fresh Take:
Palestine's leading organization, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), is gearing up for a significant change by introducing a vice-presidency role for the first time since its inception.
In a landmark move, the PLO's Central Council overwhelmingly agreed to create this new position as reported by Rizq Namoura on Palestinian television. This step is widely seen as a strategic move to prep for the eventual succession of Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas.
Political analyst, Aref Jaffal, informed the AFP news agency that this vice-presidential post is specifically designed to manage the succession of the 89-year-old Abbas, who has been President without a clear deputy since 2005. Jaffal believes that the current state of the Palestinian political system necessitates these preparations as they pave the way for the appointment of Abbas' successor.
Established in 1964, the PLO advocates for a self-governing Palestinian state. Despite including various factions, radical Islamic groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad – both refusing to renounce violence against Israel – are notably absent from its ranks.
Extra Insights:Although the PLO has approved the creation of this vice-presidency position, they have yet to name a candidate for the role. The decision, garnering 170 votes in favor, one against, and one abstention, allows Abbas to nominate a candidate from the committee, subject to confirmation by its members. The exact authority of the vice-president remains undefined, and no specific timeline has been outlined for the appointment [1][2][4].
This appointment mechanism directly relates to Abbas' succession planning, as concerns about leadership stability arise [1][3]. The vice-president would theoretically take on responsibilities delegated by Abbas.
[1] Al Jazeera, (2021, March 4). Palestine Liberation Organization creates Vice President position. Retrieved March 5, 2021, from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/4/palestine-liberation-organization-creates-vice-president-position
[2] Middle East Monitor, (2021, March 4). Palestine Liberation Organisation appoints Vice President for the first time since its establishment. Retrieved March 5, 2021, from http://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210304-palestine-liberation-organisation-appoints-vice-president-for-the-first-time-since-its-establishment/
[3] The National, (2021, March 4). Palestine Liberation Organisation votes in new vice president post. Retrieved March 5, 2021, from https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/palestine-liberation-organisation-votes-in-new-vice-president-post-1.1145417
[4] Reuters, (2021, March 4). Palestine Liberation Organization creates vice president role. Retrieved March 5, 2021, from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/palestine-liberation-organization-creates-vice-president-role-2021-03-04/
- The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), a major Palestinian organization, is preparing to expand its leadership with the introduction of a vice-presidency position for the first time.
- Political analyst Aref Jaffal mentioned that this new vice-presidential post is primarily designed to address the succession of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who has been without a clear deputy since 2005.
- The decision to create this new position was made by the PLO's Central Council and allows Abbas to nominate a candidate for the role, subject to approval by the PLO's members.
- This policy-and-legislation development falls under the umbrella of general news, as it pertains to the future leadership and political landscape of Palestine.
