1. Once the Prime Minister selects the members of the government, the Prime Minister shall submit a request to the Legislative Council to hold a special session for a vote of confidence. The vote of confidence shall take place after hearing and discussing the written ministerial declaration which specifies the program and policy of the government. The session shall be held no later than one week from the date of submission of the request. 2. The vote of confidence shall be cast for the Prime Minister and the members of the government together, unless the absolute majority of the members of the Legislative Council decides otherwise. 3. Confidence shall be granted to the government if it obtains the affirmative vote of the absolute majority of the Members of the Palestinian Legislative Council. Article 67 After obtaining the vote of confidence and before assuming their offices, the Prime Minister and members of the government shall take the constitutional oath, stipulated in Article 35 of this Basic Law, before the President of the National Authority. Powers of the Prime Minister Article 68 The Prime Minister shall exercise the following powers: 1. To form or modify the composition of the Council of Ministers, to dismiss or accept the resignation of any of its members, or to fill a vacant position. 2. To convene the Council of Ministers for weekly meetings, or when necessary, or upon a request from the President of the National Authority, as well as to set its agenda. 3. To preside over sessions of the Council of Ministers. 4. To manage the affairs of the Council of Ministers. 5. To oversee the work of the Ministers and public institutions dependent on the government. 6. To issue necessary decisions within the Prime Minister’s competence in accordance with the law. 7. To sign and issue regulations approved by the Council of Ministers. 8. The Prime Minister shall appoint a Minister to serve as deputy and to assume the duties of the Prime Minister, if the Prime Minister is absent. Powers of the Council of Ministers Article 69 The Council of Ministers shall exercise the following powers: 1. To devise general policies within the limits of its jurisdiction and in light of the ministerial program approved by the Legislative Council. 2. To implement general policies adopted by the relevant Palestinian authorities. 3. To prepare the general budget for presentation to the Legislative Council.