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A constitutional decree issued Sunday by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, naming his deputy, Hussein al-Sheikh, to assume presidential duties in his absence, has sparked political debate across Palestinian circles and drawn mixed reactions from regional states.
The constitutional decree states that Sheikh would temporarily assume the duties of the presidency if Abbas is unable to carry out his responsibilities.
“During this period, free and direct elections will be held to elect a new president, in accordance with the Palestinian Election Law,” it added.
Observers viewed this move as an attempt to perpetuate the existing system through undemocratic means, effectively blocking the path to elections and the peaceful transfer of power.
They argue that the move constitutes a serious violation of the Palestinian Basic Law.
Analysts said the constitutional decree appears to reproduce the current Palestinian political system in a non-democratic manner, reinforcing the existing power structure.
They expressed concern that the move could effectively preclude future elections and impede the emergence of a new generation of leaders who regard elections as a legitimate mechanism for the peaceful transfer of power.
This marks the second constitutional decree issued by Abbas on the matter within a year.
In 2024, he issued a similar decree stipulating that Palestinian National Council Chairman Rawhi Fattouh would assume his duties in the event of his absence. The new decree effectively nullifies the previous one concerning Fattouh.
Several Arab and regional countries have welcomed the appointment of Sheikh as deputy to the president of the State of Palestine, Abbas, and deputy chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization.
At the same time, Hamas condemned the decision, describing it as a “reprehensible step” that came “in response to external dictates” and entrenched “a policy of unilateralism and exclusion.”
Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye welcomed the decision to appoint Sheikh as deputy to the president of the State of Palestine.
For his part, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a phone call with Sheikh on Saturday evening to congratulate him on assuming his new position.
Sources at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Anadolu Agency that Fidan conveyed his best wishes to Sheikh for success in carrying out his duties.
Palestinian President Abbas announced during the extraordinary Arab summit held in Cairo on March 4 that a new position of deputy to the president of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the State of Palestine would be created.
The move came as part of a series of reform steps within the Palestinian Authority, in response to demands by several Arab countries and international actors.
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