Tunisian Constitution of 2014

Tunisian Constitution of 2014
Tunisian Arabic: 2014 دستور تونس‎
Created 26 January 2014
Ratified 27 January 2014
Author(s) Constituent Assembly of Tunisia
Purpose To replace the Constitution of Tunisia of 1959
Tunisia
This article is part of a series on the
politics and government of
Tunisia
Foreign relations

The Tunisian Constitution of 2014 (Tunisian Arabic: 2014 دستور تونس‎) was adopted on 26 January 2014 by the Constituent Assembly elected on 23 October 2011 in the wake of Tunisia's Jasmine Revolution that overthrew President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. It was passed on 10 February 2014[1] to the constitutive law of 16 December 2011 that temporarily holds the government after the suspension of the Constitution of 1959.

Supreme Law of the State, it is the third Constitution of the country's modern history after the Constitutions of 1861 and 1959.[2]

History

National Assembly's composition by parliamentary groups (2014)
  Ennahda (89)
  non-inscrit (53)
  Democratic Bloc (18)
  Democratic Transition (13)
  Ettakatol (13)
  Wafa Movement (10)

The articles of the Constitution were debated one by one at a plenary session, from December 2013 to January 2014, in a context of heated debate, which delayed the review.[3] The final text was adopted on 26 January 2014 by the Constituent Assembly with 200 votes for, 12 against and four abstentions.[4] The next day, the text was signed by the interim president, Moncef Marzouki, the President of the Constituent Assembly, Mustapha Ben Jaafar, and the Head of Government out, Ali Larayedh, during a ceremony at the headquarters of the Assembly.[5]

This Constitution is the result of a compromise between the Islamist party Ennahdha (head of government) and the opposition forces. It devotes a dual executive, gives preference to Islam and, for the first time in legal history of the Arab world, introduced a target parity between men and women in elected bodies.[3]

Articles

This description of the Tunisian Constitution of 2014 is made out of its English unofficial translation.[6]

Preamble

In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate

We, the representatives of the Tunisian people, members of the National Constituent Assembly,

[...]

We, in the name of the Tunisian people, with the help of God, draft this Constitution.[7]

The preamble to the Constitution recalls the struggle of Tunisians for independence in 1956 as the fight for democracy led during the Jasmine Revolution of 14 January 2011. The preamble affirms the people's attachment to human rights and to its Arab-Muslim identity. It specifies the need to give Tunisia a republican and democratic civil state based on law, where sovereignty belongs to the people and the principle of separation of powers is guaranteed. The preamble also states that Tunisia must participate in the unification of the Arab world and support the liberation movements, including the Palestinian movement. Finally, the preamble states that the Tunisian people must contribute to sustainable development, to world peace and solidarity among the members of humanity.[7]

General principles

Article 1 : Tunisia is a free, independent, sovereign state; its religion is Islam, its language Arabic, and its system is republican.

This article might not be amended.

Article 2 : Tunisia is a civil state based on citizenship, the will of the people, and the supremacy of law.

This article might not be amended.[8]

The third article of the Tunisian Constitution provides that the people is the bearer of sovereignty.[9] Article 4 defines the official flag and national anthem of the state.[10] The ancient motto - "Liberty, Justice and Order"[11] - is replaced by : "Liberty, Dignity, Justice and Order".[10] Tunisia contributes to the unification of the Arab Maghreb.[12] Article 6 provides that the state is the guardian of religion; it also guarantees freedom of conscience and political neutrality of mosques and other places of worship. The charge of apostasy campaigns and incitements to hatred and violence are prohibited.[13]

Participation in national service and paying taxes are duties for all citizens.[14] International treaties approved by the Assembly of the Representatives of the People override all other laws but are subjects to the Constitution.[15]

Rights and freedoms

In the Constitution of 1959, the rights and freedoms were only presented in summary form; ensuring more of them fell within the implementation of a corresponding law.[16]

Under Article 39, education is mandatory until the age of 16. In this regard, the State has the duty "to embed youth in the Arab-Islamic identity and their national belonging, and strengthen and promote the Arabic language and expand its usage, and instill openness to foreign languages and human civilisations, and spread the culture of human rights[17]".

Article 49 provides that the law defines the terms surrounding the rights and freedoms enumerated in the Constitution and it supervises them in a spirit of proportionality, to ensure the rights and freedoms of others and to protect the Public interest. The same article states that "No amendment that undermines any human rights acquisitions or freedoms guaranteed in this Constitution is allowed[18]".

Legislative authority

Under Article 50 of the Constitution, the legislative power is exercised by the people through the elected members of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People and referendum.[19]

Assembly of the Representatives of the People

The Tunisian Parliament is unicameral ; he is elected for a term of 5 years.[20] Article 60 guarantees the rights of the parliamentary opposition in the Assembly of the Representatives of the People.[21]

Any Tunisian citizen who is at least 18 years of age has the right to vote;[22] Tunisians resident abroad must also enjoy this and have their own representation in Parliament.[23] Anyone with Tunisian nationality for at least 10 years of age and at least 23 years old may be a candidate in parliamentary elections.[24]

The right of initiative belongs to the President of the Republic, the Head of Government, as well as at least 10 deputies. The Head of Government alone can present bills of financial nature or aiming to ratify an international treaty.[25] Ordinary bills are adopted by a simple majority of the deputies. The draft organic laws are adopted by an absolute majority of the members of the Assembly.[26]

No member of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People can be prosecuted for acts or words spoken in connection with his parliamentary duties. Every member is also immune to prosecution for a criminal offense while in office unless his parliamentary immunity is lifted.[27]

When the Assembly is dissolved, the President may, with the agreement of the head of government, rule by decree. The decree-laws adopted by the President must then be approved by the new Assembly at its first regular session. The Assembly of the Representatives of the People may also grant the Head of Government for a period can not be longer than two months, the power to issue decree-laws; the support of three-fifths of the members is required for the award of such power. No decree can undermine the electoral system.[28]

The executive authority

Executive power is exercised jointly by the President and the Head of Government.[29]

The President of the Republic

Main article: President of Tunisia

The President of the Republic of Tunisia is elected by direct universal suffrage for a term of 5 years.[30] Anyone aged 35 years at least, Muslim, with Tunisian nationality since birth and with no other nationality - or formally committing to renounce any other nationality - may be a candidate to the Tunisian presidential election.[31] In accordance with Article 75 of the Constitution, no person may serve more than two terms in office, whether successive or separated; this provision can not be amended to increase the number of terms that can be filled by the same president.[30]

The President is the Head of State;[32] he defines the general policies of national security, international relations and defense.[33] He refers the General Mufti of the Republic of Tunisia, the President of the Central Bank, as well as the high office of the presidency, diplomacy, national security and defense.[34] He promulgates laws adopted by the Assembly of the Representatives of the People and may request further deliberations.[35] He may also, if interest warrants, subject laws to referendum.[36] President can dissolve the Tunisian parliament before its term. When the country is in danger, the President may temporarily assume extraordinary powers.[37] The Assembly of the Representatives of the People may decide by a majority of two thirds of its members, to end the mandate of the President in case of violation of the Constitution.[38]

The Head of Government

The Tunisian government is composed of the Head of Government and ministers and secretaries of state appointed by him; the appointment of Ministers of Foreign Affairs and of Defence is made in agreement with the President of the Republic. The Head of the Tunisian Government is normally appointed by the president from among the members of the political party or electoral coalition having obtained the largest number of seats in the parliamentary election.[39] No one can be both a member of the government and of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People.[40] The government is responsible to the Assembly.[41]

In accordance with Article 101 of the Constitution, jurisdictional disputes between the president and the Head of Government may be resolved by the Constitutional Court within a week.[42]

The judicial authority

The judiciary is independent[43] and neutral.[44] Judges enjoy immunity from prosecution.[45] The free and independent exercise of the legal profession is guaranteed.[46]

Justice system, administrative and financial judiciary

Judges are appointed by decree of the President on the advice of the Supreme Judicial Council; appointments to high office are made in consultation with the Head of Government.[47]

Judges can not be dismissed or suspended; they can not be transferred without their consent. Disciplinary sanctions fall under the Supreme Judicial Council.[48]

Everyone has the right to a fair trial within a reasonable time and has the right to appeal the judgment. Court hearings are public.[49]

Any interference in the work of justice is prohibited.[50] The creation of special courts is not permitted; Military courts have jurisdiction only to prosecute military crimes.[51]

Court decisions are made on behalf of the people and are executed in the name of the President of the Republic.[52]

The Supreme Judicial Council

The Supreme Judicial Council consists of four components: the Judiciary Council, the administrative Judicial Council, the Financial Judicial Council, and the General Assembly of the three judicial councils. Each organ is composed two-thirds of magistrates elected or appointed official function, the remaining third being composed of non-judges independent experts. The majority of members of the bodies to be elected; their term of office is six years and is not renewable.[53]

The General Assembly of the three judicial councils decide on bills concerning the judicial system. The three councils decide on matters concerning the career and discipline of judges. The Supreme Judicial Council shall prepare an annual report and send a copy to the President of the Republic, the head of government, the President of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People.[54]

The judicial system

The judiciary consists courts of first instance, courts of second instance and the Court of Cassation. The Court of Cassation musts submit an annual report; it is published. The public prosecution is part of the judicial justice.[55]

Administrative judiciary

The administrative judiciary consists of administrative courts of first instance, administrative courts of second degree and of the Supreme Administrative Court. The Supreme Administrative Court musts submit an annual report; it is published. Administrative justice has jurisdiction over administrative disputes and exercises a consultative jurisdiction in accordance with the law.[56]

Financial judiciary

The financial judiciary consists of the Court of Audit and its various bodies. The Court of Audit shall provide an annual report; it is published. If necessary, it prepares specific reports. The Court of Audit is competent to advise the executive and legislative powers in the enforcement of financial laws. It also ensures proper management of public funds.[57]

The Constitutional Court

Since 1987, Tunisia had a Constitutional Council, created by presidential decree by Ben Ali and constitutionalized in 1995. However, only the President of the Republic had a power of referral.[16] The Constitutional Council was dissolved by the Decree of 23 March 2011, following the Tunisian Revolution of 2011.[58]

The Constitution of 2014 provides for a Constitutional Court. The latter consists of 12 members, with experience of 20 years and designated for a single term of 9 years. Two thirds are specialized in law. The President of the Republic, the President of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People and the Supreme Judicial Council each propose four candidates; the Assembly of the Representatives of the People approves nominations with a three-fifths majority. The Constitutional Court appoints a president and a vice president, both specialized in law.[59]

The Constitutional Court can only rule on the constitutionality of:

Independent constitutional bodies

The Constitution creates several independent constitutional bodies. They enjoy financial and administrative autonomy. Its members are appointed by the Assembly of the Representatives of the People; each instance must submit an annual report to the Assembly.[61] Instances are five in number:

Local government

Tunisia is divided into Governorates, Delegations (regions) and municipalities in accordance with the law.[63] Municipal and regional councils are elected by universal suffrage; Governorates' councils are elected by members of municipal and regional councils.[64] Local authorities are represented by the High Council of Local Authorities; its President may participate in the deliberations of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People.[65] Administrative Justice is responsible for resolving conflicts of opponents skills local and central government.[66]

Amending the Constitution

The Constitution may be reviewed, on the initiative of one third of MPs or the President of the Republic.[67] Any proposed revision of the Constitution is subject to review by the Constitutional Court; it ensures that the proposed revision does not affect items that the Constitution prohibits the modification, namely Articles 1, 2, Chapter II whose rights and freedoms listed in it can not be reduced or restricted and Article 75 restricting the number of presidential terms that can be filled by the same person. The review must be approved by two thirds of the members of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People, and then be submitted to a referendum.[68]

Final provisions

The preamble is an integral part of the Constitution; all articles of this latter form a harmonious whole.[69] The Constitution comes into force upon its publication in the Official Gazette of the President of the National Constituent Assembly.[70]

Transitional provisions

Under Chapter X, several interim constitutional laws' articles are temporarily held, time to hold parliamentary and presidential elections. The Supreme Judicial Council should be established no later than six months after the legislative elections. The constitutional control will be exercised by an interim body composed of the President of the Court of Cassation, the President of the Administrative Court, the President of the Court of Audit and three other legal experts appointed by the President, the Head of Government and the president of the National Constituent Assembly. The Constitutional Court shall be instituted within one year after the legislative elections. Finally, the first two partial renewals of the Constitutional Court, the Elections Commission, the Audio-Visual Communication Commission and the Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Commission must be done by drawing lots among the members of the first composition.[71]

References

  1. ↑ « Tunisie : la nouvelle Constitution entre en vigueur », La Libre Belgique, February 10 2014.
  2. ↑ (French) Histoire de la Constitution tunisienne de 1857 à 2014 (Le Petit Journal).
  3. 1 2 (French) « Libertés, droits des femmes : les avancées de la Constitution tunisienne », Le Monde, January 27 2014.
  4. ↑ (French) « La Constitution adoptée », Tunisie 14, January 26 2014.
  5. ↑ (French) Adjil Kribi, « Les trois présidents ont signé la Constitution », Al Huffington Post, January 27 2014.
  6. ↑ Constitution (2014)
  7. 1 2 Constitution (2014), Preamble
  8. ↑ Constitution (2014), Articles 1 and 2, Chapter I
  9. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 3, Chapter I
  10. 1 2 Constitution (2014), Article 4, Chapter I
  11. ↑ Leaders, ed. (6 June 2014). "Nouvelles armoiries de la Tunisie: la conception est lancée". Leaders (in French). Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  12. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 5, Chapter I
  13. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 6, Chapter I
  14. ↑ Constitution (2014), Articles 9 and 10, Chapter I
  15. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 20, Chapter I
  16. 1 2 Guerrero, Elie (28 June 2014). "La consécration des libertés religieuses par le Constitution tunisienne du 26 janvier 2014" (PDF). Association française de Droit constitutionnel (in French). Open Publishing. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  17. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 39, Chapter II
  18. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 49, Chapter II
  19. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 50, Chapter III
  20. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 56, Chapter III
  21. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 60, Chapter III
  22. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 54, Chapter III
  23. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 55, Chapter III
  24. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 53, Chapter III
  25. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 62, Chapter III
  26. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 64, Chapter III
  27. ↑ Constitution (2014), Articles 68 & 69, Chapter III
  28. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 70, Chapter III
  29. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 71, Chapter IV
  30. 1 2 Constitution (2014), Article 75, Chapter IV
  31. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 74, Chapter IV
  32. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 72, Chapter IV
  33. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 77, Chapter IV
  34. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 78, Chapter IV
  35. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 81, Chapter IV
  36. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 82, Chapter IV
  37. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 80, Chapter IV
  38. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 88, Chapter IV
  39. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 89, Chapter IV
  40. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 90, Chapter IV
  41. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 95, Chapter IV
  42. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 101, Chapter IV
  43. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 102, Chapter V
  44. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 103, Chapter V
  45. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 104, Chapter V
  46. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 105, Chapter V
  47. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 106, Chapter V
  48. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 107, Chapter V
  49. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 108, Chapter V
  50. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 109, Chapter V
  51. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 110, Chapter V
  52. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 111, Chapter V
  53. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 112, Chapter V
  54. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 114, Chapter V
  55. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 115, Chapter V
  56. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 116, Chapter V
  57. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 117, Chapter V
  58. ↑ Government of Tunisia, ed. (23 March 2014). "Décret-loi n° 2011-14 du 23 mars 2011, portant organisation provisoire des pouvoirs publics". Organisation mondiale de la propriété intellectuelle (in French). Retrieved 27 November 2014.
  59. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 118, Chapter V
  60. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 120, Chapter V
  61. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 125, Chapter VI
  62. ↑ Constitution (2014), Articles 126 to 130, Chapter V
  63. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 131, Chapter VII
  64. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 133, Chapter VII
  65. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 141, Chapter VII
  66. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 142, Chapter VII
  67. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 143, Chapter VIII
  68. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 144, Chapter VIII
  69. ↑ Constitution (2014), Articles 145 and 146, Chapter IX
  70. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 147, Chapter IX
  71. ↑ Constitution (2014), Article 148, Chapter X

Bibliography

See also

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 11/16/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.