The Basic Law of 2005 Concerning the Amendment of the Amended Basic Law of 2003

The Basic Law of 2005 Concerning the Amendment of the Amended Basic Law of 2003

The Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation,

The President of the Palestinian National Authority,

Having reviewed the Amended Basic Law of 2003, particularly Article 120 thereof,

Based upon the approval of the Legislative Council during its session of 27 July 2005,

In accomplishment of the public interest, and

In the name of the Palestinian People,

I hereby promulgate the following law:

Article 1

Articles 36, 47/paragraph 3 thereunder, 48, and 55 of the Amended Basic Law of 2003 shall be amended to become as follows:

Article 36

The term of the presidency of the National Authority shall be four (4) years. The President shall have the right to nominate himself for a second term, provided that he shall not occupy the position of the presidency more than two (2) consecutive terms.

Article 47, Paragraph (3)

The term of the Legislative Council shall be four (4) years from the date of its election, and the elections shall be conducted once every four (4) years in a regular manner.

Article 48

1. The members of the Legislative Council shall be elected in general, free and direct elections pursuant to the provisions of the Elections Law, which shall determine the number of members, electoral constituencies, and the electoral system.
2. If the position of one or more members of the Legislative Council becomes vacant, the vacancy shall be filled pursuant to the provisions of the Elections Law.

Article 55

Allowances, rights and obligations of the members of the Legislative Council and ministers shall be determined by the law.

Article 2

A new Article under number 47 bis shall be added to the Amended Basic Law of 2003, the provision of which shall be as follows:

Article 47 bis

The term of the current Legislative Council shall terminate when the members of the new elected Council swear the constitutional oath.

Article 3

This law shall enter into force as of the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

Issued in the City of Gaza on 13 August, 2005 AD, corresponding to 8 Rajab 1426 AH.

Mahmoud Abbas

Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation

President of the Palestinian National Authority