Australian Open draw delayed amid uncertainty over Novak Djokovic
Melbourne: The Australian Open draw was delayed indefinitely on Thursday amid uncertainty over top-ranked Novak Djokovic's visa status.
The draw, to determine men's and women's singles brackets at the year's first tennis major, was scheduled to be held at 3 p.m. local time in Melbourne, but a tournament official told waiting media that the ceremony had been postponed until further notice and declined further comment.
The Australian Open begins Monday.
The Australian immigration minister was still considering whether to deport the nine-time and defending Australian Open champion, who is not vaccinated against COVID-19, on public interest grounds.
Djokovic remained in limbo.
The 34-year-old Serb had his visa canceled on arrival in Melbourne last week when his vaccination exemption was questioned, but he won a legal battle on procedural grounds that allowed him to stay in the country.
Immigration Minister Alex Hawke has been considering the question since a judge reinstated Djokovic's visa on Monday.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
How Article 111 of Iran’s Constitution governs succession of Supreme Leader
Tehran: Iran’s Constitution clearly outlines the procedure to be followed in the event of the death, resignation, or incapacity of the Supreme Leader. The framework is set out in Article 111, which governs the transfer of authority and the selection of a successor.
Since 1989, the position of Supreme Leader has been held by Ali Khamenei. Under Iran’s political system established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Supreme Leader is the highest authority in the country, overseeing key state institutions including the armed forces and the judiciary.
According to Article 111, if the office of the Supreme Leader becomes vacant, a temporary leadership body assumes responsibilities until a new leader is appointed.
This interim body consists of three members:
The President of Iran
The Head of the Judiciary
A senior cleric from the Guardian Council
This council is responsible for carrying out the duties of the Supreme Leader on a provisional basis.
The authority to appoint a new Supreme Leader rests with the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body of Islamic jurists elected to oversee and, if necessary, select or dismiss the Supreme Leader.
Upon a vacancy, the Assembly of Experts convenes to review eligible candidates. The selection is made through internal deliberations and a majority decision in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Article 111 also provides that if the Supreme Leader is found unable to perform constitutional duties, the Assembly of Experts has the authority to remove him from office.
The constitutional mechanism is designed to ensure continuity of leadership through a defined institutional process, with temporary authority vested in the interim council until a permanent successor is chosen by the Assembly of Experts.
