Constitution of Eritrea 1997
Political Rights and Association
  • English
    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 participation is prohibited.

    4. Pursuant to the provisions of this Constitution and laws enacted pursuant thereto, all Eritreans, without distinction, are guaranteed equal opportunity to participate in any position of leadership in the country.
    … (Art. 7)
Political Rights and Association
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    6. Every citizen shall have the right to form organisations for political, social, economic and cultural ends.
    … (Art. 19)
Political Rights and Association
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    Every citizen who fulfills the requirements of the electoral law shall have the right to vote and to seek elective office. (Art. 20)
Political Rights and Association
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    1. All Eritrean citizens, of eighteen years of age or more, shall have the right to vote.
    2. The National Assembly shall enact an electoral law, which shall ensure the representation and participation of the Eritrean people. (Art. 30)
Electoral Bodies
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    1. There shall be established an Electoral Commission, operating independently, without interference, which shall, on the basis of the electoral law , ensure that free and fair elections are held and administer their implementation; decide on issues raised in the course of the electoral process; and formulate and implement civic educational programmes relating to elections and other democratic procedures.
    … (Art. 58)
Head of State
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    1. The President of Eritrea is the Head of the State and the Government of Eritrea and the Commander-in-Chief of the Eritrean Defense Forces.
    2. The executive authority is vested in the President, which he shall exercise, in consultation with the Cabinet, pursuant to the provisions of this Constitution.
    3. The President shall ensure 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 recognized under this Constitution. (Art. 39)
Head of State
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    Any member of the National Assembly who seeks to be a candidate to the office of the President of Eritrea shall be a citizen of Eritrea by birth. (Art. 40)
Head of State
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    1. The President shall be elected from amongst the members of the National Assembly by all absolute majority vote of its members. A candidate for the office of the President must be nominated by at least 20 percent vote of all the members of the National Assembly.
    … (Art. 41)
Government
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    1. There shall be a ministerial Cabinet presided over by the President.
    2. The President may select ministers from among members of the National Assembly or from among persons who are not members of the National Assembly.
    … (Art. 46)
Legislature
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    1. There shall be a National Assembly which shall be the supreme representative and legislative body.
    2. The National Assembly shall be composed of representatives elected by the people.
    3. Members of the National Assembly shall be elected by secret ballot of all citizens who are qualified to vote.

    6. The qualifications and election of the members of the National Assembly, the conditions for vacating their seats and other related matters shall be determined by law. (Art. 31)
Links to all sites last visited 9 February 2024
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Chapter III on Fundamental Rights, Freedoms and Duties.
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Chapter III on Fundamental Rights, Freedoms and Duties.