RIYADH, Oct 20: King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has set up a commission to work out the succession process so as to prevent dispute within the royal family regarding succession to the Saudi throne, the official press agency SPA said on Friday.

The commission comprising princes will vote on future kings and crown princes. The crown prince will also be selected by the committee, termed the Allegiance Commission. Under the current system, this has been the prerogative of the king. The system will, however, not take effect until Crown Prince Sultan, heir to King Abdullah, becomes king, a statement from the royal court said on Friday.

The committee will comprise sons and grandsons of late King Abdul Aziz al Saud, founder of the modern Saudi Arabia, and father of the current king and crown prince, said the statement signed by King Abdullah.

The committee will be headed by the eldest son or grandson of King Abdul Aziz.

Under the new system, the Allegiance Commission will have a say in the appointment of a crown prince suggested by the king. If the commission rejects the nominated crown prince, it may vote for one of three princes nominated by the king.

The appointment of a new crown prince, under the law must be done within 30 days of the accession of a new king, the statement added.