The term 'Palestinian parliament' can refer to two primary legislative bodies, each with a distinct scope and role: the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) and the Palestinian National Council (PNC).
Understanding Palestinian Legislative Bodies
While both bodies serve a parliamentary function for Palestinians, they represent different organizational structures and constituencies.
Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC)
The Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) functions as the parliament of the Palestinian Authority (PA). Its primary role is to legislate for the Palestinian people living in the areas under PA administration, specifically parts of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
- Role: Enacts laws, oversees the PA's executive branch, and approves its budget.
- Elections: Members of the PLC are elected directly by the Palestinian residents in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
- Current Status: The PLC has largely been inactive since 2007 due to political divisions between Fatah and Hamas, although its legal framework remains.
Palestinian National Council (PNC)
The Palestinian National Council (PNC) is the parliament of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which is recognized internationally as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. The PNC's scope is broader than the PLC's, encompassing all Palestinian people, including those in the diaspora.
- Role: Considered the highest legislative and policy-making body for the Palestinian national movement. It is responsible for setting the PLO's policies and electing its executive committee.
- Representation: The PNC is formally chosen by the Palestinian people in and outside of the Palestinian territories, including refugees and those in the diaspora, ensuring a wide representation of the global Palestinian population.
- Historical Significance: Historically, the PNC has made significant decisions regarding the Palestinian cause, including declarations of independence and acceptance of international peace initiatives.
Key Differences Between PLC and PNC
To clarify the distinction between these two significant bodies, refer to the table below:
| Feature | Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) | Palestinian National Council (PNC) |
|---|---|---|
| Affiliation | Parliament of the Palestinian Authority (PA) | Parliament of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) |
| Geographic Scope | Primarily represents Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. | Represents all Palestinian people globally, including those in the diaspora and refugee camps, formally chosen by the Palestinian people in and outside of the Palestinian territories. |
| Primary Function | Legislates for the PA-controlled areas, oversees the PA government, and approves its budget. | Sets the overall policy and direction for the Palestinian national movement, elects the PLO Executive Committee, and represents Palestinians worldwide. It is the highest legislative body of the PLO. |
| Election Base | Elected by Palestinian residents of the West Bank and Gaza. | Composed of members from various Palestinian factions, unions, and independent figures, chosen to represent the entire Palestinian diaspora and those in the territories. |
In summary, while the Palestinian Legislative Council serves as the parliament for governance within the Palestinian territories, the Palestinian National Council functions as the overarching legislative body for the entire Palestinian people and their national movement under the Palestine Liberation Organization.
