In a groundbreaking decision, the Palestine Liberation Organization’s (PLO) Central Council approved the creation of a vice president position within its executive committee on Thursday. This marks the first time such a role has been established since the PLO’s founding.
According to the official news agency WAFA, the vice president will be selected from the current members of the executive committee. The selection process involves a nomination by the committee’s chairman and approval by its members. The chairman will also have the authority to assign duties, dismiss vice presidents, or accept their resignations.
The decision was made during a session held in the West Bank city of Ramallah, attended by 170 members, including some via video link. Notably, one member voted against the move, while another abstained.
The initiative for a vice presidency was first introduced by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during an emergency Arab summit in Cairo in early March. The move comes amid growing calls for reforms within the Palestinian political system and is seen as a significant development in shaping the next phase of Palestinian governance.
This decision also aligns with visions from Arab and Western countries for an expanded role of the Palestinian Authority in the post-war governance of the Gaza Strip.
