* This is the fourth draft which is still under discussion in Palestinian circles. It has not yet been determined.

Contents

1. Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
2. Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms

1. The President
2. The Council of National Authority
3. Security Forces and the Police
4. Public Bodies and Institutions
5. Local Government
6. General Provisions
7. Finance

1. The Judiciary
2. Attorney - General and Public Prosecutions

The attached proposal was prepared pursuant to a resolution issued by the Palestinian National Council on 15 November 1988, adopted following the Declaration of Independence, and in accordance with a requisition from the PLO's Executive Committee in November 1993. The first draft was forwarded to the Executive Committee during its session of 5 December 1993. In this session, the Executive Committee decided to submit the proposal for broad discussion within Palestinian circles. Accordingly, the Legal Committee of the Palestinian National Council held a meeting in Amman on 10 December 1993 to examine the proposal. The meeting was attended by the acting president of the National Council, the Secretary of the Executive Committee, and by a number of legal experts residing in Amman. It was agreed to continue the deliberations with all sectors of Palestinian society. The proposal was thereafter published in the media for public scrutiny and for comments.

In light of the comments received, amendments were introduced to the proposal and a second draft was prepared. On 4 February 1994, a conference was held in Jerusalem at the invitation of the Jerusalem Media and Communication Center (JMCC). In this conference, the second draft was discussed. More discussions took place on different occasions with Palestinian lawyers and with representatives from the Palestinian women's movement. The second draft was published in the local media in Palestine. Following these comments and discussions, further amendments were made and the third draft was prepared. The third draft included comments from the Palestinian National Council's Legal Committee and this version was published and distributed by the JMCC on 1 May 1994. On 8 December 1994, the Palestine Center for Research and Studies in Nablus held a conference, one of whose sessions dealt with deliberating the draft. An open discussion took place, and I submitted some remarks.

The Palestinian Independent Commission for Citizens Rights formed a committee to study the third draft and to submit recommendations. This committee called for a meeting which was held for this purpose in Jerusalem on July 1995. The participants, including the Head of the Legislation Department in the Palestinian Ministry of Justice, submitted their remarks which were taken into consideration.

Later the Oslo II Agreement was signed and many problems related to the Legislative Council and the elections were resolved. As such it became compelling to fill the gap existing in the third draft in relation to the Legislative Authority.

After all these deliberations and discussions, and in light of the submitted remarks and recommendations, and for the purpose of the completion of the document, particularly those pertaining to the President and the Legislative Council, the attached fourth draft was prepared and a copy was submitted to the Head of the Legislation Department at the Ministry of Justice on 11 December 1995.

The attached proposal is a culmination of deliberations extending over more than two years in which a great number of people and institutions have democratically participated in, and in a manner where the citizen's right to participate in legislation pertinent to him or her was respected. The proposal also attracted special attention in foreign circles; special seminars for discussing it were held and articles were written about it in legal journals.

It is important to note that this proposal is still a proposal under discussion and has not been recognized yet from the Palestinian authorities, which are the sole holder of this constitutional right. Nonetheless we hope that now, after the elections, the Constitution will be one of the priorities of the elected Council in order to ensure democratic processes, constitutional accountability, citizens' rights, and the rule of law.

General provisions

ARTICLE 1

The Palestinian people are the source of all authority which shall be exercised, during the transitional period, through the legislative, executive and judicial authorities in the manner provided for in this Basic Law.

ARTICLE 2

The government of Palestine shall be based on parliamentary democracy and pluralism, with consideration by the majority for the rights and interests of the minority and respect by the minority of the decisions of the majority.

ARTICLE 3

The Arabic language shall be the official language of Palestine.

ARTICLE 4

The flag of Palestine shall be of the following colors and dimensions: Its length twice its width, divided horizontally into three equal parallel parts, the upper black, the middle white and the lower green, thereon placed from the base a red triangle whose base and height equal the breadth and half the length of the flag, respectively.

ARTICLE 5

Jerusalem shall be the capital of Palestine. During the transitional period the Palestinian Authorities may set up the Government Headquarters in any other place in Palestine.

ARTICLE 6

Sovereignty over the national resources in Palestine is vested in the Palestinian people, and shall be exploited and disposed of in the interests of the Palestinian people according to law.

ARTICLE 7

(1) This Basic Law shall be the Supreme Law of Palestine in the Transitional Period and any other law which is inconsistent with any of its provisions shall be null and void.

(2) Subject to Article 120, this Basic Law may not be amended except by a two thirds majority of the elected Council.

 I Fundamental rights and freedoms

ARTICLE 8

Palestine recognises and respects the fundamental human rights and freedoms prescribed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination the Convention against Torture and other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment and Punished and other Conventions and Covenants which secure such rights and freedoms. Palestinian authorities shall adhere to the said international agreements.

ARTICLE 9

Every person has the right to life.

ARTICLE 10

Women and men shall have equal fundamental rights and freedoms without any discrimination.

ARTICLE 11

All persons are equal in human dignity. No person shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. In particular, no person shall be subjected without his free consent to medical or scientific experimentation. No effect shall be given to any statement or confession obtained as a result or under the threat of torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.

ARTICLE 12

Every person shall have the right to participate in public life and to nominate himself to public office in accordance with the law.

ARTICLE 13

Every person has the right to liberty and security of person. No person shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention. No person shall be deprived of his liberty except on such grounds and in accordance with such procedures as are established by law.

ARTICLE 14

Every person shall have right to freedom of thought, conscience and expression and publication of his opinion either orally, in writing or in the form of art or through any other form of expression, subject to observance of restrictions imposed by law for the respect of the rights or reputations of others, the protection of national security or of public order or of public health or morals.

ARTICLE 15

The freedom of formation of political parties is guaranteed provided that their aims and activities do not conflict with the basic principles prescribed in this Basic Law and that they conduct their activities in a peaceful manner. The law shall set out the rules governing the formation of political parties.

ARTICLE 16

Subject to the provisions of Article 14 of this Basic Law, the freedom of the press, printing, publication and media is guaranteed. Censorship of the press is prohibited, and no newspaper shall be subject to warning, suspension or termination through governmental or administrative action.

ARTICLE 17

No person shall be subject to arbitrary or unlawful interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, or to unlawful attacks on his honor or reputation. The law shall provide protection against such interference or attacks.

ARTICLE 18

Security of the home is guaranteed; it may not be entered or inspected except in pursuance of a reasoned judicial order and in accordance with the law.

ARTICLE 19

Every person is entitled to own private property, interference in which shall be prohibited except in accordance with the law and for the public interest. Private property may not be expropriated except for public interest in consideration of fair compensation and in accordance with the procedure laid down in the law.

ARTICLE 20

Freedom of economic activity is guaranteed. The law shall set out the rules and extent of supervision in pursuance of the requirements of public interest.

ARTICLE 21

The families of martyrs, the injured and the handicapped have the right to care and rehabilitation, which shall be provided by the Palestinian authorities.

ARTICLE 22

Motherhood, childhood, the family, the young and the youth have the right to protection and to the availability of proper opportunities for the development of their talents. Such protection is a duty on society to be discharged by the Palestinian authorities within the limits stipulated by law.

ARTICLE 23

The law shall set out the rules pertaining to social security.

ARTICLE 24

Work is a right, duty and honor. The Palestinian authorities shall endeavor to provide equal opportunities to citizens to enable them to exercise this right under laws which provide for social justice. No one shall be required to perform forced or compulsory labour except in the following circumstances: (1) Any service of a military character or any national service required by law, save for conscientious objectors;

(2) Any service exacted in cases of emergency or calamity threatening the life or well-being of the community;

(3) Any work or service which forms part of normal civil obligations.

ARTICLE 25

(1) Every person has the right to education which shall be free and compulsory until the secondary stage in public institutions. The Palestinian authorities shall endeavor to provide education at all stages;

(2) Minorities, religious or otherwise, and others who meet the conditions prescribed by law shall have the right to establish private schools and educational institutions, provided they observe the general conditions laid down in the law;

(3) The education authorities shall supervise all education. Universities and centres of scientific research shall enjoy respect and autonomy in the manner provided in the law.

ARTICLE 26

The right to peaceful assembly is recognised. No restrictions may be placed on the exercise of this right other than those which are prescribed by law and which are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order, the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.

ARTICLE 27

(1) The right to freedom of association with others is recognised to all persons, including the right to form and join trade unions for the protection of their rights;

(2) No restrictions may be placed on the exercise of this right other than those which are prescribed by law and which are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order, the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others. This Article shall not prevent the imposition of lawful restrictions on members of the security forces and the police in their exercise of this right.

ARTICLE 28

No Palestinian may be deported, deprived of his nationality, prevented or prohibited from returning to or leaving Palestine or surrendered to any foreign authority except in accordance with extradition agreements.

ARTICLE 29

The surrender of persons granted political asylum by the Palestinian authorities in accordance with international law is prohibited.

ARTICLE 30

Every person has the right to address the public authorities on personal matters of concern to him or on public matters.

 ARTICLE 31

Jerusalem is a city holy to the three divine religions. In compliance by Palestine with its spiritual heritage, Palestinian authorities shall provide conditions for tolerant co-existence between religions in Jerusalem and the rest of Palestine.

 ARTICLE 32

Freedom of belief and worship and exercise of religious functions are guaranteed, subject to non-violation of public order or morality.

 ARTICLE 33

Freedom of access and visit to holy places and religious buildings and sites are guaranteed for all, citizens and non-citizens, without discrimination. Freedom of worship for the followers of such places is also guaranteed. The exercise of the foregoing, freedoms shall be subject to the requirements of public security, order and morality.

II Protection of fundamental rights and freedoms

 ARTICLE 34

Every person whose fundamental rights or freedoms, as provided in this Chapter and Chapter Three, have been violated shall have the right to challenge the violation before courts of law and to demand compensation, where appropriate.

 ARTICLE 35

An independent Commission for Human Rights with juridical personality shall be established by law to monitor and ensure the observance of human rights and freedoms in Palestine. Its formation, functions and powers shall be defined by law and shall be without prejudice to any powers given to individuals, to the Attorney General, to the Audit Office and to the Courts under this Basic Law or any other law.

The rule of law

ARTICLE 36

The rule of law is the basis of government in Palestine.

ARTICLE 37

All Palestinian authorities and organs as well as all individuals and persons in Palestine shall be subject to the law and shall be accountable for its violation. The independence of the judiciary, its immunity, respect for and execution of its decisions are basic guarantees for the protection of rights and freedoms and the establishment of the rule of law.

ARTICLE 38

All persons shall be equal before the courts and the law, and are entitled to the equal protection of the law without discrimination on any ground such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, birth or other status.

ARTICLE 39

The right of recourse to the courts is guaranteed for everyone and no administrative act or decision may exclude its review by the courts.

ARTICLE 40

Everyone charged with a criminal offence shall be presumed innocent until proved guilty in a lawful trial in which he has been afforded guarantees to defend himself. Every person charged with a serious criminal offence shall have a lawyer to defend him.

ARTICLE 41

(1) Punishment is personal, and no one shall be held guilty of any criminal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a criminal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than tone that was applicable at the time when the criminal offence was committed. If, subsequent to the commission of the offence, provision is made by law for the imposition of the lighter penalty, the offender shall benefit thereby. No one shall be liable to be tried or punished again for an offence for which he has already been finally convicted or acquitted in accordance with the applicable law and penal procedure;

(2) Collective punishment is prohibited.

ARTICLE 42

Except in cases of flagrante delicto, no person may be arrested, searched, detained or have his liberty restricted in any manner or prevented from free movement, except by order given by a competent court or the prosecution service in accordance with the law and only where such is required for the needs of the investigations and security of society.

The law shall determine the period of detention on remand.

No detention or imprisonment is permitted except in places which are subject to laws regulating prisons.

ARTICLE 43

Except where otherwise is provided by law, criminal actions shall only be instituted by order of a judicial body.

ARTICLE 44

All persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person.

ARTICLE 45

Every person who has been arrested or detained shall be informed promptly on his arrest of the cause thereof, and shall, without delay, be informed in detail and in a language which he understands of the nature and cause of the charge against him. He shall be given adequate time and facilities for the preparation of his defence and to communicate with a lawyer of his own choosing. He shall be tried without undue delay in his presence in a manner which guarantees defence through a lawyer of his own choosing.

 ARTICLE 46

Judgements shall be given and executed in the name of the people. It shall be a criminal offence subject to prosecution and punishment in the manner provided in the law for any public official required by law to execute decisions of the courts to refuse or suspend such execution. In this event, the person in whose favor judgement has been given shall have the direct right to bring a criminal action before the competent court.

Legislative Authority

ARTICLE 47

The elected Council (the Council) shall exercise legislative authority during the transitional period. The life of the Council shall be until the end of the transitional period.

ARTICLE 48

The Council shall be composed of the President and 88 Members elected in general elections in accordance with the Elections Laws.

ARTICLE 49

(1) The Council shall have two ordinary sessions every year, each to last for no longer than 3 months, commencing on 1st October and 1st April, but on the following day if the 1st falls on a national holiday.

(2) The Council may prolong its session if its business is not concluded, and in any event a session may not end before approval of the budget.

ARTICLE 50

The President or Speaker may call for the Council to meet in extraordinary session for any period to discuss or debate or decide on matters specified in the Agenda for the extraordinary session. The Speaker shall also call for such extraordinary session if he receives such a request from not less than one third of the Members of the Council signed by them and specifying the Agenda. The Council shall not discuss or debate any matter not specified in the Agenda to the extraordinary session.

ARTICLE 51

At is inaugural meeting, the Council shall elect from amongst its Members, a Speaker, a Deputy Speaker and a Rapporteur, who shall compose the office of the Speaker. The Speaker, Deputy Speaker who Rapporteur must not be Members of the Executive or Ministers, and shall hold office during the life of the Council.

ARTICLE 52

Every Member of the Council shall take an oath in the terms provided for in Article 69.

ARTICLE 53

The President shall open each session of the Council and lay down the programme of his Government, provided that the Prime Minister may deputise for him.

ARTICLE 54

The quorum of all Meetings of the Council shall be 50% of its Members. All decisions of the Council shall be taken by a simple majority of the Members present unless otherwise provided for in this Basic Law and in particular Article 7(2).

ARTICLE 55

All Meetings of the Council shall be public, save that at the request of the Government or by a decision of the Council, a Meeting may be closed to the public if the national interest so requires.

ARTICLE 56

Members of the Council shall not be held civilly or criminally liable for anything said or opinions expressed by them in the Council or for voting in the Council, whether the meeting is public or in meetings closed to the public, or in Committees of the Council.

ARTICLE 57

Members of the Council shall enjoy legal immunity during the life of the Council and save for arrestable crimes discoverd during their commission, no criminal proceedings may be instituted against a Member except with the permission of the Council, and when the Council is not in session, the Speaker's permission, who shall inform the Council at its next session the action he took.

ARTICLE 58

(1) No Member of the Council may exploit his position as a Member of the Council to influence any business or matter.

(2) The law shall determine what type of work, business or affairs a Member of the Council may conduct.

ARTICLE 59

Members of the Council may propose the enactment of laws and may question the Government generally or individual Ministers according to the rules of Procedure of the Council.

ARTICLE 60

The Council shall have the following functions:

(1) Approval of Laws;

(2) Debating the policy of the Government;

(3) Approval of the Budget and Development Plans;

(4) Approval of a general amnesty or pardon;

(5) Accepting the resignations of Members of the Council;

(6) Approval of Appointment of Cabinet Ministers;

(7) Withdrawal of Confidence in the Government or a Cabinet Minister as provided for in Article 84 of this Basic Law.

ARTICLE 61

The Annual Budget Plan must be laid before the Council at least two months before the beginning of the financial year and no Budget shall be operative until and unless it is approved by the Council.

ARTICLE 62

(1) Voting on the Budget shall be Chapter by Chapter.

(2) Reallocation of budgetary ammounts as between Chapters is prohibitied except as provided in the law.

ARTICLE 63

The Council may establish temporary Committees from amongst its Members to investigate any matter within its jurisdiction.

ARTICLE 64

The salaries, allowances and expenses of the Members of the Council shall be determined by Law.

 ARTICLE 65

A vacancy in the membership of the Council, whether caused by death, resignation or otherwise, shall be filled by the holding of a by-election in the District concerned.

 ARTICLE 66

The Council shall lay down by-laws or rules for the determination of its procedure and the carrying out of its functions.

Executive Authority

ARTICLE 67

The Executive Authority during the transitional period shall be exercised by the President and a Cabinet of Ministers in the manner provided for in this Basic Law.

I The President

ARTICLE 68

The President shall be elected in a general election for the Presidency in accordance with the Elections Law and shall by virtue of his election and office be the Head of the Executive Authority.

ARTICLE 69

Before assuming office, the President shall take the following oath in the presence of the Bureau of the Presidency of the Palestine National Council:

_I swear by Almighty God to be faithful to the Nation of Palestine and to its national heritage and to preserve this Basic Law and the law, serve the Palestinian People and faithfully carry out the duties entrusted to me according to law._

ARTICLE 70

The term of the Presidency shall be five (5) years and no person may be President for more than two consecutive terms. The first term of the first President and any successor in the transitional period shall expire with the expiry of the transitional period.

ARTICLE 71

If the office of the President becomes vacant or if the President bpermanently incapacitated, the Speaker of the Council shall assume his powers and duties in a caretaker capacity until a new President takes office, which shall be no more than 60 days from the date of occurrence of the vacancy or the proof of permanent incapacity.

ARTICLE 72

The President is the Commander-in-Chief of the Palestinian forces.

ARTICLE 73

(1)The President shall sign and promulgate the laws within 30 days after their approval by the Council, and if not signed within the said period, such laws shall be deemed promulgated.

(2) The President has the power to initiate or propose laws to the Council or issue secondary legislation, including Orders and Regulations if authorised to do so by the primary law.

ARTICLE 74

The President may grant a special pardon and commute sentences. General pardon shall be prescribed by law.

ARTICLE 75

The President shall exercise his powers through Orders and Resolutions and Decrees in the manner prescribed by this Basic Law or any other law.

ARITCLE 76

The President's salary, allowances and expenses shall be determined by law.

II The council of national authroity

ARTICLE 77

The President shall appoint a Cabinet of Ministers (the Cabinet) consisting of a Prime Minister and Ministers. He has the power to dismiss them or accept their resignation and has the power to preside over their Meetings.

ARTICLE 78

(1) The Cabinet shall assist the President in the performance of the executive authority of the government in the manner provided in this Basic Law.

(2) The President shall submit the names of the Prime Minister and Ministers to the Council to obtain approval to their appointment.

(3) Every Minister in the Cabinet shall be an elected Member of the Council save that the President may appoint non Members of the elected Council as Ministers, provided their number does not exceed 20% of the total number of Cabinet Ministers. Ministers who are non-Council Members may participate in the debates of the Council but may not vote.

ARTICLE 79

The Cabinet shall generally be responsible for the government and administration of the affairs of the country.

ARTICLE 80

(1) The Cabinet shall be composed of a Prime Minister and such other Ministers as the public interest may require. The resolution of appointment shall designate a Ministry for which the Minister shall be responsible;

(2) A Minister may hold more than one portfolio, as may be determined in the resolution of appointment;

ARTICLE 81

The Prime Minister and Ministers shall, before assuming office, take the oath provided for in Article 69 of this Basic Law in the presence of the President.

 ARTICLE 82

Neither the Prime Minister nor any Ministers may purchase or lease any government property, not even through public auction, nor may any one of them have a financial interest in any contract concluded with government bodies, nor may he, while being a member of the Cabinet, be a member of the board of directors of any company or carry on a trade or practice a profession or receive a salary or any other renumeration from any company or any other source.

 ARTICLE 83

The Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers are jointly responsible to the President and to the Council for the general policy of the country as is within the competence of the Cabinet and each Minister is responsible to the for them actions of his Ministry.

 ARTICLE 84

The Prime Minister may propose a vote of confidence in the Cabinet before the Council. A no-confidence motion in the Cabinet or a particular Minister may also be proposed by at least 10 Members of the Council and may be passed by a simple majority, in which case, the Cabinet or Minister, as the case may be, must present the resignation of the Government or Minister to the President.

 ARTICLE 85

The powers of the various Ministries shall be determined by regulations made by the Cabinet and endorsed by the President.

 ARTICLE 86

Without prejudice to the generality of Article 79 of this Basic Law, the Cabinet shall have the following powers:

(1) To lay down the general policy within the powers entrusted to the Cabinet in the light of submissions by Ministers;

2) Implementation of the general policies laid down by the appropriate Palestinian authorities;

(3) Preparation and approval of the annual budget for its presentation to the Council;

(4) Supervision of the administrative organs;

(5) Follow up on the implementation of laws and ensuring observance thereof;

(6) Follow up performance of their duties and powers by the various Ministries and all other units of the administrative organ;

(7) Consideration of the proposals and policies of the various Ministries in respect of the performance of their functions;

(8) Any other powers entrusted to the Cabinet by this Basic Law or any other law.

 ARTICLE 87

Every Minister shall have the following powers within his Ministry:

(1) Propose the general policy of the Ministry and supervise its implementation after its approval;

(2) Supervise the conduct of affairs in his Ministry and give the necessary instructions in that respect;

(3) Implement the budgetary provisions pertaining to his Ministry;

(4) Propose legislation pertaining to his Ministry;

(5) Delegate, as need be, some of his powers to the Under-Secretary of the Ministry, heads of divisions or senior officials of the Ministry;

(6) Any other powers entrusted to him by laws, regulations and resolutions made in pursuance thereof.

 ARTICLE 88

Each Minister shall submit to the Cabinet detailed reports on the activities of his Ministry, its policies, plans and achievements compared with the aims set out for the Ministry in the Ministry plan, and shall also submit the Ministry's proposals and recommendations as to its future policy. These reports shall be submitted on a regular basis so that the Cabinet would be fully informed of the activities and policies of each Ministry.

 ARTICLE 89

The appointment of officials and their terms of employment shall be in accordance with the laws in force in that respect.

 ARTICLE 90

In the provision of administrative services and attending to the rights of individuals, simplification of procedures, expeditiousness and propriety in performance shall be observed within the limits of the law and public interest.

 ARTICLE 91

The executive authority shall avail the widest opportunity for the participation of citizens, political parties, trade unions and other organizations in the discussion of policies before their determination, through announcing such policies and consultation with the said bodies.

 ARTICLE 92

The Cabinet, its Prime Minister and Ministers shall exercise the powers and duties provided for their predecessors in legislation in force on the coming into force of this Basic Law, until such laws are amended or replaced, as the case may be.

 III Security forces and the police

ARTICLE 93

(1) Security forces and the police are a regular force created for the service of the people, protection of society and to maintain security and public order. It shall perform its duties within the limits provided by law with full respect of rights and freedoms without prejudice or discrimination. All persons must cooperate with and assist the police in the performance of their duties.

(2) Security forces and the police shall be regulated by law.

IV Public bodies and institutions

ARTICLE 94

Specialized public bodies and institutions may be established by the President to assist the governmentl in formulating policies within the general fields of activity. Such bodies and institutions may be autonomous bodies enjoying juridical personality exercising activities entrusted to them under their terms of reference; in which case they shall be established by law.

V Local Government

ARTICLE 95

For purposes of local government the country shall, by law, be divided into administrative units and municipalities enjoying juridical personality. Each unit shall have a popular council directly elected in the manner provided in the law.

The law shall determine the competence of such administrative units, their financial resources, relations with the central authority, their role in the preparation and implementatof the development plans and supervision of the various fields of activity.

Division shall be, as far as possible, on the basis of number of inhabitants and their concentration.

VI General Provisions

ARTICLE 96

No administrative unit or any official thereof may sign or undertake a financial obligation except within the allocations provided for in law, and no effect shall be given to any disposition in contravention of this provision.

 ARTICLE 97

No administrative unit or any official thereof may take decisions or issue instructions or regulation in contravention of laws in force, and no effect shall be given to decisions, instructions or regulations made in contravention of the said laws.

 ARTICLE 98

Each administrative unit shall be entitled to exercise the powers, carry out the duties and issue resolutions, instructions and regulations for that purpose within the mandate prescribed to it by law.

 ARTICLE 99

Appointment to public offices and specialized bodies and institutions shall be on the basis of competence, experience and ability to perform in accordance with the nature of the public office and functions and aims of the body or institution.

VII Finance

ARTICLE 100

General taxes and duties may not be imposed, amended or repealed except by law, and no total or partial exemption may apply except in the circumstances provided for in the law.

ARTICLE 101

The law shall set out the rules pertaining to the preparation of the general budget and for the disposition of funds allocated therein.

ARTICLE 102

The law shall set out the rules governing the collection of public funds and the procedure for spending therefrom.

ARTICLE 103

The beginning of the financial year shall be determined by law. If the budget law is not passed before the commencement of the new financial year, spending shall continue on the basis of monthly allocations of one twelfth of the previous budget for each month.

ARTICLE 104

All that is received in taxes and other revenue must be paid to the public treasury and included in the budget. No part of the funds of the general budget may be allocated or spent for any purpose whatsoever except in accordance with the law.

ARTICLE 105

An Audit Office shall be established and its autonomy shall be guaranteed by law. The Office shall assist the administrative organ in supervising the collection of public revenue and spending therefrom within the limits set out by the budget. The Audit Office shall submit to the President and to the Council an annual report regarding its activities, observations showing financial violations, if any, and the responsibility arising therefrom.

The law shall provide for the immunity of the head of the Audit Office and shall give him the powers necessary for him to carry out his duties in the best possible manner.

ARTICLE 106

Public loans shall be confirmed by law. A public loan may be concluded or guaranteed by a law or within the allocations prescribed for that purpose in the budget law.

ARTICLE 107

Banks shall be regulated by law. 

 The Judicial Authrotiy

I The Judiciary

 ARTICLE 108

The judicial authority shall be an independent authority to be exercised by the Supreme Court and other Courts in accordance with this Basic Law and any other law.

ARTICLE 109

Judges shall be independent and, in their judicial function, shall be subject only to the law. No other authority may interfere in individual cases or in the administration of justice.

ARTICLE 110

There shall be a Chief Justice, in that capacity, shall be the Head of the Judicial Authority and President of the Supreme Court. The Chief Justice shall be a judge of the Supreme Court appointed by Presidential Decree with the approval of the High Judiciary council except that the first Chief Justice appointed in pursuance of this Article shall not require such approval.

ARTICLE 111

A High Judiciary Council shall be established by law with the Chief Justice as Chairman. The law shall establish the composition and powers of this Council as well as its rules of procedure. The opinion of the Council shall be taken in respect of draft legislation pertaining to the organization of the judicial authority, including the public prosecution.

ARTICLE 112

(1) The law shall provide for the rules governing the appointment, transfer, secondment and promotion of judges and other matters pertaining to the judiciary;

(2) Judges shall be irremovable, and the law shall regulate their disciplinary accountability.

ARTICLE 113

A Supreme Court shall be established by law comprising:

(1) A High Constitutional Court which shall have exclusive jurisdiction of judicial review of constitutionality of laws and regulations and construction of legal provisions in the manner prescribed by law;

(2) A Court of Cassation in criminal, civil and commercial matters in the manner prescribed by law;

(3) A High Court of Justice which shall have jurisdiction over administrative and other disputes in the manner prescribed by law.

(4) The law shall determine the types of other courts, their organization, jurisdiction and procedure.

(5) No law, administrative order or action may be excluded from review by the judiciary.

ARTICLE 114

Hearings shall be in public, unless the court determines otherwise in the interests of public order or morality, and in all cases judgements shall be pronounced in open Court.

II Attorney-General and public prosecutions

ARTICLE 115

Public and Government cases shall be conducted by the Attorney-General in the name of the people.

ARTICLE 116

(1) The appointment, transfer and dismissal of the Attorney-General and public attorneys in his office shall be in the manner and subject to the conditions prescribed by law;

(2) The law shall determine the powers, competence and formation of the service.

Concluding and transitory provisons

 ARTICLE 117

This Basic Law shall apply during the transitional period, but shall not affect the powers and duties of the Palestine Liberation Organization and its organs including its powers to represent the Palestinian people in foreign and international relations and relations with foreign governments and international organizations.

 ARTICLE 118

Laws shall be promulgated in the name of the Palestinian people, and shall be published in the Official Gazette after signature and promulgation by the President. They shall come into force 30 days from publication unless the law provides otherwise.

 ARTICLE 119

The provisions of laws and legislative shall not apply except to matters occurring as from the date on which they come into force. Where required and in non-criminal matters, laws may provide otherwise.

 ARTICLE 120

None of the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in this Basic Law may be suspended, and such rights and freedoms shall remain governed by the provisions of this Basic Law and the laws enacted in pursuance thereof.

 ARTICLE 121

Laws, regulations and decisions in force in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank before the coming into effect of this Basic Law shall remain in force to the extent that they do not conflict with the provisions of this law, until they are amended, repealed or replaced in pursuance of this or any other law.

 ARTICLE 122

This Basic Law shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall come into force on the date of its promulgation.