Constitution of Eritrea

  Article 1  The State of Eritrea and its Territory (1) Eritrea is a sovereign and independent State founded on the principles of democracy, social justice and the rule of law. (2) The territory of Eritrea consists of all its territories, including the islands, territorial waters and airspace, delineated by recognised boundaries. (3) In the State of Eritrea, sovereign power is vested in the people, and is exercised pursuant to the provisions of this Constitution. (4) The government of Eritrea is established through democratic procedures to represent people's sovereignty and has strong institutions, accommodating popular participation and serving as foundation of a viable democratic political order. (5) Eritrea is a unitary State divided into units of local government. The powers and duties of these units are determined by law. Article 2  Supremacy of the Constitution (1) This Constitution is the legal expression of the sovereignty of the Eritrean people. (2) This Constitu...

  Article 6  National Unity and Stability (1) As the people and government strive to establish a united and advanced country within the context of the diversity of Eritrea, they are guided by the basic principle "unity in diversity." (2) The State, through participation of all citizens, ensures national stability and development by encouraging democratic dialogue and national consensus; and by laying a firm political, cultural and moral foundation of national unity and social harmony. (3) The State ensures peaceful and stable conditions by establishing appropriate participatory institutions that guarantee and hasten equitable economic and social progress. Article 7  Democratic Principles (1) It is a fundamental principle of the State of Eritrea to guarantee its citizens broad and active participation in all political, economic, social and cultural life of the country. (2) Any act that violates the human rights of women or limits or otherwise thwarts their role and partici...

  Article 14  Equality under the Law (1) All persons are equal under the law. (2) No person may be discriminated against on account of race, ethnic origin, language, colour, gender, religion, disability, age, political view, or social or economic status or any other improper factors. (3) The National Assembly enacts laws that can assist in eliminating inequalities existing in the Eritrean society. Article 15  Right to Life and Liberty (1) No person is deprived of life without due process of law.Death_Penalty (2) No person is deprived of liberty without due process of law. Article 16  Right to Human Dignity (1) The dignity of all persons is inviolable. (2) No person is subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. (3) No person is held in slavery or servitude nor is any person required to perform forced labour not authorised by law. Article 17  Arrest, Detention and Fair Trial (1) No person may be arrested or detained save pursua...

  Article 30  Representation of the People (1) All Eritrean citizens, of eighteen years of age or more, have the right to vote. (2) The National Assembly enacts an electoral law, which ensures the representation and participation of the Eritrean people. Article 31  Establishment and Duration of the National Assembly (1) There is a National Assembly which is the supreme representative and legislative body. (2) The National Assembly is composed of representatives elected by the people. (3) Members of the National Assembly are elected by secret ballot of all citizens who are qualified to vote. (4) Members of the National Assembly are representatives of the Eritrean people as a whole. In discharging their duties, they are governed by the objectives and principles of the Constitution, the interest of the people and the country and their conscience. (5) The first session of the National Assembly is held within one month after a general election. The term of the National Assembl...

  Article 39  The President: Head of State and Government (1) The President of Eritrea is the Head of the State and the Government of Eritrea and the Commander-in-Chief of the Eritrean Defence Forces. (2) The executive authority is vested in the President, which he exercises, in consultation with the Cabinet, pursuant to the provisions of this Constitution. (3) The President ensures respect of the Constitution; the integrity and dignity of the State; the efficient management of the public service; and the interests and safety of all citizens, including the enjoyment of their fundamental rights and freedoms recognised under this Constitution. Article 40  Qualification to be a Candidate to the Office of the President Any member of the National Assembly who seeks to be a candidate to the office of the President of Eritrea is a citizen of Eritrea by birth. Article 41  Election and Term of Office of the President (1) The President is elected from amongst the members of th...