PLO Endorses Establishment of Vice President Role
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Synopsis
On April 25, 2023, the PLO's Central Council approved the creation of a Vice President role for its executive committee, marking a significant development in Palestinian governance. The decision aims to strengthen political institutions amidst calls for reforms and has faced criticism from factions like Hamas for perceived unilateralism.
Key Takeaways
- PLO Central Council introduces Vice President role.
- Selection involves current executive committee members.
- Chairman holds authority over Vice Presidents.
- Decision marks first establishment of this position.
- Hamas criticizes the move, emphasizing unity.
Ramallah, April 25 (NationPress) The Central Council of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) has sanctioned the introduction of a Vice President position for its executive committee, as reported by media outlets.
As per the official news agency WAFA, the Vice President will be chosen from the existing members of the executive committee, based on a nomination from the committee's chairman and subsequent approval by its members, according to Xinhua.
The Chairman will also possess the power to delegate responsibilities, remove Vice Presidents, or accept their resignations, the report indicated.
This resolution was passed during a session of the PLO's Central Council convened in the West Bank city of Ramallah, with 170 members present, some joining via video link. One member opposed the decision, while another chose to abstain.
This marks the inaugural establishment of such a role since the PLO's inception.
The proposal for a vice presidency was first unveiled by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during an emergency Arab summit in Cairo earlier in March, in response to increasing demands for reforms within the Palestinian political framework.
The decision is perceived as a pivotal advancement in shaping the upcoming phase of the Palestinian political landscape.
The PLO has been engaged in a convention in Ramallah since Wednesday, deliberating various political matters.
Hamas has criticized the convention, stating it "deepens division, reinforces unilateralism, and disappoints our people's hopes for unity".
"We in Hamas reject the continuation of this unilateral course and affirm our commitment to rebuilding the Palestine Liberation Organisation on national and democratic foundations," it articulated in a statement.
Several Palestinian factions in the West Bank departed from the meeting on Thursday following the vice presidency proposal discussion.
The groups contended that the initiative jeopardized the PLO's sovereignty and signified foreign interference.
The Palestinian National Initiative, a progressive political faction, also exited the session citing "external pressures".
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), another Marxist-Leninist group, also withdrew, asserting that the reform agenda was premature and lacked genuine consultation.
Out of 188 voting members of the PLO's central council, 170 supported the creation of a vice presidency, according to Wafa.
The Palestinian Authority is on the verge of financial collapse, and post the Hamas attack on Israel that ignited the war in Gaza, various international donors have increasingly demanded that financial assistance be contingent upon substantial political and institutional reforms.
On Wednesday, Abbas contended that establishing a vice presidency would reinforce Palestinian institutions and enhance international recognition of the Palestinian state.
Some analysts interpret this move as a strategic effort by Abbas to present the illusion of decentralizing power.
