Ramallah: President of the Palestinian National Council, Rawhi Fattouh, announced that directives have been issued to Palestinian embassies to start preparations for the election of Palestinian National Council members in diaspora countries. These preparations are being coordinated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, as per the regulations governing the Council's elections.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, these directives come from the Follow-up Committee for the elections of the Palestinian National Council, led by Hussein al-Sheikh, Vice President of the State of Palestine. The committee decided to expedite the selection process for Council members residing abroad.
Fattouh outlined that the selection process will involve multiple approaches. In countries where direct elections are feasible, Palestinian communities will participate in elections organized by embassies. Voter registers are to be compiled within one week, followed by a nomination period, with elections occurring two weeks later.
In situations where direct elections are not possible, an electoral college system will be employed as per the Council's election regulations. The electoral college will be established within a week, with elections to follow promptly.
Fattouh also noted that if neither direct elections nor an electoral college can be established, consensus will be sought in accordance with the approved election regulations for the Palestinian National Council.