Politics & Government Guide
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions in Palestine
The Palestinian Authority is a semi-presidential system led by President Mahmoud Abbas, with Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa heading a 23-minister technocratic government appointed in March 2024. The PA has not held legislative elections in over 15 years and is widely considered an authoritarian regime. Recent developments focus on institutional reforms and succession planning, including the creation of a Vice President position and constitutional provisions for leadership continuity.
Democracy Index
Below Average
Government Type
Semi-presidential multi-party republic
Legal System
Mixed legal system based on Palestinian Basic Law (2002), Islamic law, and Ottoman law traditions
Head of State
President Mahmoud Abbas(since 2005)
Head of Government
Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa(Independent)since 2024
Political Indicators
Democracy Index
Scale: 0-10
Authoritarian regime
Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)
Legislature
Major Political Parties
Center-left nationalist
Islamist
Left-wing
Voting Rights
Palestinian citizens aged 18 and above have the right to vote in presidential and legislative elections. However, the Palestinian Legislative Council has not held elections in over 15 years.
Recent Developments
- Mohammad Mustafa appointed as Prime Minister on March 31, 2024, replacing Mohammad Shtayyeh following international pressure for PA reforms
- Creation of Vice President position for PLO and State of Palestine during Palestinian Central Council meeting in May 2025
- Constitutional declaration issued in late 2024 establishing succession procedures with Palestinian National Council Chairman Rawhi Fattouh as interim president
- Hussein al-Sheikh appointed in October 2025 as interim chairman of the Authority for 90-day periods should the position become vacant
- Ministry of Finance established Net Lending Unit in 2024 providing electronic portal to 99 local authorities for financial monitoring
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