PLO votes to establish vice president post, eyeing Abbas successor
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The PLO has voted to establish a vice president role, a move seen as preparing for Mahmoud Abbas's succession amid shifts in Palestinian leadership.
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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is helped to adjust his headphones for translation during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside of Moscow, August 13, 2024. (AP)
The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) voted on Thursday to establish the position of vice president, a move widely seen as paving the way for a potential successor to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Rizq Namoura, a member of the PLO's central council, confirmed the decision during an interview with Palestine TV, stating, “A vote was held to create the position of vice president,” and noting that support for the measure was “almost unanimous.” This marks the first time such a post has been introduced within the organization.
Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas commented on the issue, stating that, "The Palestinian Central Council meeting represents a new milestone in cementing the isolation and separation from the reality of our resistant people."
The Resistance movement affirmed that "rebuilding the PLO and holding comprehensive elections are the true paths to restoring national unity," adding that "The outcomes of the Palestinian Central Council meeting held in Ramallah were a profound national disappointment."
An established plan
Abbas unveiled plans in March to establish a vice-presidency and grant amnesty to expelled Fatah members, as part of a broader effort to restructure the Palestinian Authority (PA). His remarks came during a Cairo summit, where Arab leaders gathered to discuss Gaza's post-war recovery and governance.
For over a decade, Abbas has faced increasing internal and external pressure to implement reforms, particularly concerning succession planning. Foreign allies have long pushed for the appointment of a deputy to address concerns about leadership stability.
In addition to this structural shift, Abbas announced a pardon for expelled Fatah members, a move seen as an attempt to foster unity within the movement ahead of potential elections.
A step toward Mahmoud Abbas' succession
Palestinian political analyst Aref Jaffal described the creation of the vice president role as a calculated step to prepare for Abbas’s succession. “This position was created precisely to arrange for Abbas's successor, as there are many things the Palestinian situation requires,” said Jaffal, who heads the al-Marsad Election Monitoring Center.
At 89 years old, Abbas has led the Palestinian Authority since 2005, and discussions around his successor have gained urgency within the Palestinian political sphere.
Analysts highlight political implications for Palestinian leadership
Jaffal further commented on the broader political context, stating, “The Palestinian political system is already miserable, so I believe that all these arrangements are a prelude to creating a successor to Abbas.”
The decision reflects growing momentum within Palestinian politics to address leadership continuity and the future direction of the PLO.
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