For the first time in its history, the Palestinian Authority is set to announce a new vice president this week, a move that is expected to be made either on Thursday. This decision marks a significant step in an effort to streamline the process of power transition within the Palestinian leadership. The announcement follows growing calls for institutional reforms within the Palestinian Authority, as President Mahmoud Abbas faces increasing pressure to address succession concerns.

According to sources within the Palestinian Authority, the key contenders for the vice-presidency include Hussein al-Sheikh, the current Secretary-General of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) Executive Committee, Jibril Rajoub, a senior PLO member with longstanding political influence, and Rauhi Fattouh, who was recently appointed as Abbas’s temporary replacement in the event of his absence or death. Fattouh, who has held a number of important roles within the Palestinian political structure, is seen as a potential compromise candidate due to his experience and relatively low profile compared to some of the other figures vying for the position.

The announcement will be made by either President Abbas or the PLO’s Executive Committee, following what is expected to be a lengthy and deliberative session of the Palestinian Parliament. This parliamentary session, which will likely involve intense debate, is seen as a critical moment in the ongoing process of institutionalising political transition within the Palestinian leadership.

This move comes after Abbas’s declaration in March that he would create the vice-presidency role in response to mounting pressure to introduce reforms aimed at strengthening the Palestinian political system and ensuring smoother governance. Critics have long pointed to the lack of a clear succession plan as a major weakness in the Palestinian Authority’s political structure. The creation of the vice presidency is seen as a step toward addressing this issue, though whether it will lead to substantive change remains to be seen.

The appointment of a vice president is likely to have significant implications for the future of Palestinian politics, as it will not only define the next in line for leadership but could also reshape the internal dynamics of the PLO and its various factions. Whether this move succeeds in addressing the broader governance challenges facing the Palestinian Authority will depend on the political will and the ability of the new vice president to navigate the often-fraught political landscape.

Al Jazeera.