RAMALLAH, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued on Sunday a constitutional declaration mandating that Vice President of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee Hussein al-Sheikh would assume presidential duties if the post becomes vacant, until elections are held.

"In the event of a vacancy in the office of the president of the Palestinian Authority, and in the absence of the Palestine Legislative Council, the vice president of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, also the vice president of the State of Palestine, will temporarily assume the duties of the president for a period not exceeding 90 days," the declaration carried by Palestine's WAFA news agency said.

The declaration said during the 90 days, free and direct election shall be held to elect a new president, in accordance with the Palestinian Elections Law.

If the elections are not held due to force majeure, the period may be extended for another term by a decision of the Palestinian Central Council, said the statement.

On April 26, the PLO approved the selection of its Executive Committee Secretary, Hussein al-Sheikh, as vice president of the PLO Executive Committee and the State of Palestine. The appointment was made following a decision by the Palestinian Central Council to create the position for the first time.

Abbas, 90, was elected president of the Palestinian Authority in January 2005 following the death of Yasser Arafat. ■