Palestinian president releases first draft of interim constitution for review

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has formally released the initial draft of an interim constitution for the State of Palestine, initiating a public consultation process to shape the document. A presidential decree mandates the draft's publication on a dedicated electronic platform and through other methods, inviting broad societal input over a 60-day period.

Public Consultation Process Launched

The decree calls on citizens, civil society organizations, political factions, experts, and academics to submit comments and proposals on the draft text. This participatory approach seeks to foster national consensus around the foundational legal framework. A designated Coordination and Drafting Committee will be responsible for collecting, organizing, and reviewing all public feedback received during the consultation window.

Committee to Review Feedback for Final Draft

After the 60-day period, the committee will compile a report on the reviewed comments and recommendations, submitting it to President Abbas for approval before the constitution is finalized. The process is structured to integrate public opinion into the final version of the interim constitution, which is intended to establish the legal basis for Palestinian state institutions.

Context and Implementation

The decree stipulates that relevant authorities are responsible for its implementation, and it enters into force immediately upon issuance, with publication in the official gazette. The move represents a significant step in the Palestinian Authority's long-standing efforts to develop and formalize its governance structures, even as political divisions persist and the pursuit of full statehood continues amid ongoing regional challenges.