PNPA slams presidential decree as attempt to usurp popular will

The Palestinian National Popular Action (PNPA) Forum on Tuesday issued a statement rejecting presidential decree issued yesterday concerning the appointment of members of the Palestinian National Council (PNC) from inside Palestine and abroad. The Forum accused President Mahmoud Abbas of blatantly disregarding the will of millions of Palestinians at home and abroad and infringing upon their inherent right to choose their representatives democratically and freely. 

The statement added; “The PNC is the inclusive national framework of the Palestinian people, and its membership, whether from inside Palestine or abroad, must not be determined by appointment or by a decision made by a single authority, apart from the will of our people and their direct participation.”

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The PNPA statement said; “While reaffirming our commitment to the Palestine Liberation Organisation as an inclusive national framework, we call for the reconstitution of the Palestinian National Council to be based on elections and on genuine and fair representation of Palestinians at home and abroad, with the participation of all national forces, actors, and figures, free from exclusion and unilateral decision-making. 

The Palestinian people, at home and abroad, have the full right to choose their representatives and leaders through free and democratic elections. Palestinians are not merely numbers to be added to membership lists through appointment; rather, they hold an inherent right to choose those who represent them and to express their national will.”

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