THE CONSTITUTION
Chapter 1: The State and System of Government
Article 1
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is an Independent sovereign Arab State. It is indivisible and Inalienable and no part of it may be ceded. The people of Jordan form a part of the Arab Nation, and its system of government is parliamentary with a hereditary monarchy.
Article 2
Islam is the religion of the State and Arabic is its official language.
Article 3
The city of Amman is the capital of the Kingdom, but it may he transferred to another place by a special law.
Article 4
The Jordanian flag shall be of the following form and dimensions: ``The length of the flag shall be twice its width. lt shall be divided horizontally into three parallel and equal stripes, the uppermost of which shall be black, the center, white, and the lowest, green. At the end of the flag-staff the flag shall have a red triangle, the base of which shall be equal to its width. In the triangle there shall be a white seven- pointed star of such a size that it may be one-fourteenth part of its length. The star shall be so placed that its centre shall be at the intersection of the lines bisecting the angles of the triangle, and the axis running through one of its points shall be parallel to the base of the triangle.''
Chapter 2: Rights and Duties of Jordanians
Article 5
Jordanian Nationality shall be defined by law.
Article 6
(i) Jordanians shall be equal before the law. There shall be no discrimination between them as regards their rights and duties on grounds of race, language or religion.
(ii) The Government shall ensure work and education within the limits of its possibilities, and it shall ensure a state of tranquility and equal opportunities to all Jordanians.
Article 7
Personal freedom shall be guaranteed.
Article 8
No person may be detained or imprisoned except in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Article 9
(i) No Jordanian may be deported from the territory of the Kingdom.
(ii) No Jordanian may be prevented from residing at any place. or be compelled to reside in any specified place, except in the circumstances prescribed by law.
Article 10
Dwelling houses shall be inviolable and shall not be entered except in the circumstances and in the manner prescribed bs law.
Article 11
No properties of any Person may be expropriated except for purposes of public utility and in consideration of a just compensation, as may be prescribed by law.
Article 12
No loans may be forcibly imposed and no property, movable or immovable, may be confiscated except in accordanse with the law.
Article 13
Compulsory labour may not be imposed on any person, but any person may be required to do any work or to reneler any service in circumstances prescribed by law, as stated hereunder:
(i) In a state of necessity, such as a state of war. the occurrence of a public danger, or fire, flood, famine, earthquake, serious epidemic among human beings or animals or animal diseases, insects or pests or any other similar events, or in any other circumstances which might endanger the safety of the population, in whole or in part. (ii)As a result of the conviction of the person concerned by a court of law, provided that the work is done and the service rendered under the supervision of an official authority and provided further that no convicted person shall be hired to, or be placed at the disposal of, any persons, companies, socielies or public bodies.
Article 14
The State shall safegurad the free exercise of all forms for worship and religious rites in accorduncc with the customs observed in the Kingdom, unless such is inconsistent with public order or morality.
Article 15
(i) The State shall guarantee freedom of opinlon. Every Jordanian shall be free to express his opinion by speech, In writing, or by means of photographic representation and other forms of expression, provided that such does not violate the law.
(ii) Freedom of the press and publications shall be ensured within the limits of the law.
(iii) Newspapers shall not be suspended from publication nor shall their permits be revoked except in accordance wlth the provislons of the law.
(iv) In the event of the declaration of martial law or a state of emergency, a llmited censorshin on newspapers. publications, books and broadcasts in matters affecting publlc safety and national defence may be imposed by law.
Article 16
(i) Jordanians shall have the right to hold meetings within the limits of the law.
(ii) Jordanians are entitled to establish societies and political parties provided that the objects of such societies and parties are lawful, their methods peaceful, and their bye-laws not contrary to the provisions of the Constitution.
(iii) The establishment of societies and political parties and the control of their resources shall be regulated by law.
Article 17
All postal, telegraphic and telephonic communications shall be treated as secret and as such shall not be subject to censorship or suspenslon except in circumstances prescribed by law.
Article 18
Congregations shall have the right to establish and maintain their own schools for the education of their own members provided that they comply with the general provisions of the law and be subject to the control of Government in matters relating to their curricula and orientation
Article 19
Elementary education shall be compulsory for Jordanians and free of charge in Government schools.
Article 20
Jordanians are entitled to address the public authorities on any personai matters affecting them, or on any matter relative to public affairs, in such a manner and under such conditlons as may be prescribed by law.
Article 21
(i) Political refugees shall not he extradited on account of their political beliefs or for their defence of liberty.
(ii) Extradition of ordinary criminals shall be regulated by internatlonal agreements and laws.
Article 22
(i) Every Jordanian shall be entithed to be appolnted to public offices under such conditions as are prescribed by law or regulations.
(ii) Appointment to any government office or to any establishment attached to the Government, or to any municipal office, whether such appointment is permanent or temporary, shall be made on the basis of merit and qualifications.
Article 23
(i) Work is the right of every citizen, and the State shall provide opportunities for work to all citizens by directing the national economy and raising its standards.
(ii) The State shall protect labour and enact a legislation therefor based on the following principles: (a) Every worker shall receive wages commensurate with the quantity and quality of his work. (b) The number of hours of work per week shall be defined. Workers shall be given weekly and annual days of paid rest. (c) Special compensation shall be given to workers supporting families and on dismissal, illness, old age and emergencies arising out of the nature of their work. (d) Special conditions shall be made for the employment of women and juveniles. (e) Factories and workshops shall be subject to health safeguards. (f) Free trade unions may be formed within the limits of the law.
Chapter 3: Powers: General ProvisionsArticle 24
(i) The Nation is the source of all powers.
(ii) The Nation shall cxercise its powers in the manner prescrihed by the present Constitution.
Article 25
The Legislative Power shall be vested in the National Assembly and the King. The Nationai Assembly shall consist of a Senate and a Chamber of Oeputies.
Article 26
The Executive Power shall be vested in the King. who shall exercise his powers through His Ministers in accordance with the provisions of the present Constitution.
Article 27
The Judicial Power shall bc cxercised hy the courts of law in their varying types and degrees. All judgements shall be given in accordancc with the law and pronounced in the name of the King.
Chapter 4: The Executive Power
PART I: THE KING AND HlS PREROGATIVES
Article 28
The Throne of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is hereditsry to the dynasty of King Abdullah Ibn Al-Hussein in a direct line through his male heirs as provided hereinafter:
(a) * The Royal title shall pass from the holder of the Throne to his eldest son, and to the eldest son of that son and in linear succession by a similar process thereafter. Should the eldest son die before the Throne devolves upon him, his eldest son shall inherit the Throne despite the existence of brothers to the deceased son. The Kinx may, * As amended in the Official Gszette No. 1831 of 01/04/1965. however, select one of his brothers as heir apparent. In this event, title to the Throne shall pass to him from the holder of the Throne.
(b) Should the person entitled to the Throne die wlthout a male heir, the Throne shall pass to his eldest brother. In the event lhat the holder of the Throne has no brothers, the Throne shall pass to the eldest son of his eldest brother. Should his eldest brother have no son, the Throne shall pass to the eldest son of his other hrothers according to their seniority in age.
(c) In the absence of any brothers er nephews, thc Throne shall pass to thc unclcs and their descendants, according to the order prescribed in paragraph (b) above.
(d) Should the last King die without any heir in the manner prescribed above, the Throne shall devolve upon the person whom the National Assembly shall select from amongst the descendants of the founder of the Arab Revolt, the late Klng Hussein Ibn Ali.
(e) No person shall ascend the Throne unless he is a Moslem, mentally sound and born by a legitimate wife and of Moslem parents.
(f) No person shall ascend the Throne who has been excluded from successlon by a Royal Decree on the ground of unsuitability. Such exclusion shall not of itself include the descendants of such person. The Royal Decree of exclusion shall be countersigned by the Prime Minister and by four Ministers, at least two of whom shall be the Minister of Interior and the Minister of Justice.
(g) The King attains his majority upon the completlon of his eighteenth year according to the lunar calendar. If the Throne devolves upon a person who is below this age, the powers of the King shall be exercised by a Regent or Council of Regency. who shall have been appolnted by a Royal Decree by the reigning King. If the King dies without makinj such nomination, the Council of Ministers shall appoint the Regent or Council of Regency.
(h) Should the King become unable to exercise his powers on account of illness, his powers shall be exercised by a vicegerent or Council of Vicegerents. The Vicegerent or Council of Vicegerents shail be appointed by Royal Decree. Should the King be unable to make such appointment, such shall be made by the Council of Ministers
(i) Should the King wish to leave the country, He shall, before his departure and by a Royal Decree, appolnt a Vlcegerent or a Council of Vicegerents to exercise His powers during His absence. The Vicegerent or Council of Vicegerents shall observe any conditions which may be presecribed ln thc Royal Decree. If the absence of the King is extended to more than four months and the National Assembly is not in session, the Assembly shall be summoned immediately to consider the matter.
(j) Before the Regent or Vicegerent or any member of the Council of Regency or of the Council of Vicegerents assumes his office he shall take an oath, as prescribed in in Article 29 hereof, before the Council of Ministers.
(k) In the event of the death of the Regent or Vicegerent or member of the Council of Regency or of the Council of Vicegerents, or should he become incapable of performing his duties, the Council of Ministers shall appoint a suitable person to replace him.
(l) A Regent or Vicegerent or member of the Council of Regency or of the Council of Vlcegerents shall not be less than thirty years according to the lunar calendar. However, any male relative of the King whe has completed his eighteenih year of age acrording to the lunar calendar may he appointed to any such office.
(m) In the event of the King being incapacitated by any mental illness, the Council of Ministers, on confrirmation of his illncss, shall immediately convene the National Assembly .Should the illness be definitely confirmed, thc National Assembly shall hy resolution depose the King, whereupon title to the Throne shall devolve upon the person entitled thereto after him according to the provisions of this Constitution. If the Chamber of Deputies stands dissolved at the time or if its term had expired and no new Chamber had been elected. the former Chamber of Deputies shall be convened for the purpose.
Article 29
The King shall upon his succession to the Throne take an oath boefore the National Assembly, which shall be convened under the chairmanship of the Speaker of the Senate, to respect and observe the Constitutlon and be loyal to the Natlon.
Article 30
The King is the Head of the State and ls immune from any liability and responsibilsty .
Article 31
The King ratifies the laws and promulgates them. He shall direct the enactment of such regulations as may be necessary for thelr implementation, provided that such regulations are not inconsistent with the provisions thereof.
Article 32
The King is the Supreme Commander of the Land. Naval and Alr Forces.
Article 33
(i)** The King declares war, concludes pesce and ratitles treaties and agreements.
(ii) Treaties and agreements which involve financlal commitments to the Treasury or affect the public or private rights of Jordanians shall not be valid unless approved by the National Assembly. In no circumstances shall any secret terms contained in any treaty or agreement be contrary to their overt terms.
Article 34
(i) The King issues orders for the holding of elections to the Chamber of Deputies in accordance with the provisions of the law,
(ii) The King convenes the National Assembly, inaugurates, adjourns, and prorogues it in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
(iii) The King may dissolve the Chamber of Deputies.
(iv) * The King may dissolve the Senate or relieve any Senator of his membership.
Article 35
The King appoints the Prime Minister and may dismiss him or accept his resignation, He appoints the Ministers; He also dismisses them or accepts their resignatlon, upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
Article 36
The King appoints members of the Senate and appoints the Speaker from amongst them and accepts their resignation.
Article 37
(i) The Klng creates. confers and withdraws civil and military ranks, medals snd honorific titles. He may delegate this authority to any other person by special law.
(ii) Currency shall be minted in the name of the King in pursuance of the law.
Article 38
The King has the right to grant a special pardon or remit any sentence, but any general pardon shall be determined by special law.
Article 39
No death sentence shall be executed except after confirmation by the King. Every such sentence shall be placed before the King by the Council of Ministers accompanied by their opinion thereon.
Article 40
The King shall exercise the powers vested in him by Royal Decrce. Every such Decree shall be countersigned by the Prime Minister and the Minister or Ministers concerned. The King expresses his concurrence by placing his signature above the said signatures.
PART II: MINISTERS
Article 41
The Council of Ministers shall consist of the Prime Minister, who shall he the President and of such numner of Ministers as may be needed and as public interest may require.
Article 42
No rserson shall be appointed a Minister unless he is a Jordanian.
Article 43
The Prime Minister and Ministers shall, before assuming their duties, take the following oath before the King: ''I swear by Almighty God to be loyal to the King, uphold the Constitution. serve the Nation and conscientiously perform the duties entrusted to me''.
Article 44
No Minister may purchase or lease any Government property even if the sale or lease thereof has been offered in pubilc auction. He shall not, while holding his Ministerial office, become a member of the board of directors of any company or take part in any commercial or financial transaction or recelve a salary from any company.
Article 45
(i)* The Council of Ministers shall be entrusted with the responsibillty of administering all affairs of the State, internal and external, with the exception of such matters as are or may be entrusted by the present Constitution(**) or by any other legislation to any other person or body.
(ii) The duties of the Prime Minister, the Ministers and the Council of Ministers shall be defined by regulations made by the Council of Ministers and ratified by the King.
Article 46
Any Minister may be entrusted with the responsibillty of one or more Ministries, as may be stated in the Decree of appointment.
Article 47
(i) Every Minister shall be responsible for the conduct of all matters pertaining to his Ministry, He shall refer to the Prime Minister any matter not falling within his competence.
(ii) The Prime Minister shall dispose of all matters within his powers and competence and shall refer other matters to the Couneil of Ministers for such decision as may be necessary.
Article 48
The Prime Minister and Ministers shall sign the decisions taken by the Council of Ministers, which shall be submitted to the King for ratification in all cases required under the present Constitution or any law or regulations enacted thereunder. Such decisions shall be implemented by the Prime Minister and Misisters, each within the limits of his competence.
Article 49
Verbal or written orders of the King shall not release the Ministers from their responsibilities.
Article 50
In the event of the resignation or dismissal of the Prime Minister from his office, all Ministers shall be considered as having automatically resigned or been dismissed from their offices.
Article 51
The Prime Minister and Ministers shall be collectively responsible before the Chamber of Deputies in respect of the public policy of the State. In addition, each Minister shall be responsible before the Chamber of Deputies in respect of the affairs of his Ministry.
Article 52
The Prime Minister, or the Minister who is a member of either the Chamber of Deputies or the Senate, shall be entitled to vote in the House to which he belongs and to speak in both Houses. However, Ministers who are not members of either House may speak in both Houses without the right to vote.
Article 53
* A motlon of no confidence in the Council of Ministers or in any Minister may be raised by the Chamber of Deputies.
(ii) If the Chamber of Deputies casts a vote of no confidence in the Council of Ministers by an absolute majority of all its members, the Council of Ministers shall resign.
(iii) If the vote of no confidence concerns an individual Minister, he shall resign his office.
Article 54
(i) A session to consider a vote of no confidence in the Council of Ministcrs or in any individual Minister shall be held either at the request of the Prime Minister or at a request signed by not less than ten Deputies.
(ii)* A vote of no conrldence in the Council of Minislers or in any individual Minister may be postponed only for one period, which shall not exceed ten days, either upon the request of the Minister concerned or of the Council of Ministers. The Chamber shall not be dissolved during this period.
(iii)** Every newly formed Council of Ministers shall within one month of its formation, in cases where the Chamber of deputies is in session, place before the Chamber of Deputies a statement of its policy and and No. 1380 of 04/05/1958. request a vote of confidence on the basis of the said statement. If the Chamber of Deputies is not in session at the time, or stands dissolved, the Speech from the Throne shall be considered to be a statement of its pollcy for the purposes of this Article.
Article 55
Ministers shall be tried by a High Tribunal for offences which may be attributed to them in the course of the performance of their duties.
Article 56
The Chamber of Deputies is entitled to impeach Ministers, but a bill of impeachment shail not be passed except by a maiority of two-thirds of the members of the Chamber. The Chamber of Deputies shall appoint, from among its members, deputies who shall present the impeachment to, and proceed before, the High Tribunal.
Article 57
* The High Tribunal shall consist of the Speaker of the Senate as President and eight members.* three of whom shall be selected by ballot by the Senate from amongst its members and five members to be selected from amongst the judges of the highest Civil Court in order of seniority. In case of necessity, the number shall be completed from the presidents of the lower courts, also in order of seniority.
Article 58
The High Tribunal shall apply the provisions of the Penal Code in force in respect of offences specified therein. A special law shall specify thc offences for which Ministers shall be responsible In cases where such offences are not covered by the Penal Code.
Article 59
*Judgements shall be given by the High Tribunal by a majority of six votes.
Article 60
The High Tribunal shall make its own Rules of Procedure for the trial of Ministers. pending the enactment of a special law for this purpose.
Article 61
A Minister who is impeached by the Chamber of Deputies shall be suspeneled from office until his case is determined by the High Tribunal. His resignation shall not prevent the institution of criminal proceedings against him. or the continuance of his trial.
Chapter 5:
The Legislative Power. The National Assembly
Article 62
The riational Assembly shall consist of two Houses:- The Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.
Chapter 5: The Legislative Power. The National Assembly PART I: THE SENATE
Article 63
The Senate, including the Speaker, shall consist of not more than one-half of lhe number of the members of the Chamber of Deputies.
Article 64
In addition to the requirements prescribed in Article 75 of the present Constitution, a Senator must have completed forty calendar years of age and must belong to one of the following classes:- Present and former Prime Ministers and Ministers, persons who had previously held the office of Ambassador, Minister Plenipotentiary, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, President and judges of the Court of Cassation and of thc Civil and Sharia Courts of Appeal, retired military officers of the rank of Lt. General and above, former Deputies who were elected at least twice as deputies, and other similar personalities who enjoy the confidence of the people in view of the services rendered by them to the Nation and the Country.
Article 65
(i)* The term of office of Senators shall be four years. The appointment of members shall be renewed every four years. Senators whose term of office had expired may be reappointed for a further term.
(ii) The term of office of thc Speaker of the Senate shall be two years but he may be reappointed.
Article 66
(i) The Senate shall meet simultaneously with the Chamber of Deputies and the sessions shall be the same for both Houses.
(ii) If the Chamber of Deputies is dissolved, the sessions of the Senate shall be suspended.
PART II: THE CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES
Article 67
The Chamber of Deputles shall consist of members elected by secret ballot In General direct election and in accordance with the provisions of an Electoral Law which shall ensure the following principles:
(i) The integrity of the election.
(ii) The right of candidates to supervise the process of election.
(iii) The punishment of any person who may adversely inflenec the will of voters.
Article 68
(i) * The term of office of the Chamber of Deputies shall be four calendar years commencing from the date of the announcement of thc results of the general elections in the Official Gazette. The King may, by a Royal Decree, Prolong the term of the Chamber for a period of not less than one year and not more than two years.
(ii) A general election shall take place during the four months preceding the end of the term of the Chamber. If the election has not taken place by the end of the term of the Chamber or if such election is delayed for any reason, the Chamber shall remain in office until the election of a new Chamber.
Article 69
(i) The Chamber of Deputies shall elect A its Speaker at the beginning of each ordinary sesslon for a period of one calendar year, but he may he reelected.
(ii) If the Chamber of Deputies meets in an extraordinary session and has no Speaker, the Chamber shall elect a Speaker for a term o•f office which shall terminate at the beginning of the ordinary session.
Article 70
In addition to the requirements prescribed in Article 75 of the present Constitution, a deputy must have completed thirty calendar years of his age.
Article 71
Thc Chamber of Deputies shill have the right to determine the validity of the election of its members. Any voter shall have the right to present a petition to the Secretarist of the Chamber within 15 days of the announcement of the results of the election in his constituency setting out the legal grounds for invalidating the election of any deputy. No election may be considered invalid unless it has been declared as such by a majority of two-thirds of the members of the Chamber.
Article 72
Any deputy may resign his seat by notifying the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies in writing, and the Speaker shall place the resignation before the Chamber for a decision as to whether the resignation should be accepted or rejected.
Article 73
(i) If the Chamber of Deputies is dissolved. a general election shall be held, and the new Chamber shall convene in an extraordinary sesslon not later than four months from the date of dissolution. Such session shall be deemed to be an ordinary session in accordance with the provisions of Arilele 78 of the present Constitution and shall be subject to the conditions prescribed therein in respect of prolongation or adjournment.
(ii) If no elections have taken place hy the end of the four months, the dissolved Chamber shall assume its full constitutional powers and assemble forthwith as if its dissolution had not taken place. It shall remain in office until the election of a new Chamber.
(iii) * Such extraordinary session shall not in any event continue after the 30th day of September and shall be prorogued on that date so that the Chamber may be able to hold its first ordinary session on the first day of October. If such extraordinary session happens to be held during October and November, It shall be considered as the first ordinary session of the Chamber of Deputies.
(iv) * Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (i) snd (ii) of this Article, the King may postpone the holding of the general electioTHE CONSTITUTION
Chapter 1: The State and System of Government
Article 1
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is an Independent sovereign Arab State. It is indivisible and Inalienable and no part of it may be ceded. The people of Jordan form a part of the Arab Nation, and its system of government is parliamentary with a hereditary monarchy.
Article 2
Islam is the religion of the State and Arabic is its official language.
Article 3
The city of Amman is the capital of the Kingdom, but it may he transferred to another place by a special law.
Article 4
The Jordanian flag shall be of the following form and dimensions: ``The length of the flag shall be twice its width. lt shall be divided horizontally into three parallel and equal stripes, the uppermost of which shall be black, the center, white, and the lowest, green. At the end of the flag-staff the flag shall have a red triangle, the base of which shall be equal to its width. In the triangle there shall be a white seven- pointed star of such a size that it may be one-fourteenth part of its length. The star shall be so placed that its centre shall be at the intersection of the lines bisecting the angles of the triangle, and the axis running through one of its points shall be parallel to the base of the triangle.''
Chapter 2: Rights and Duties of Jordanians
Article 5
Jordanian Nationality shall be defined by law.
Article 6
(i) Jordanians shall be equal before the law. There shall be no discrimination between them as regards their rights and duties on grounds of race, language or religion.
(ii) The Government shall ensure work and education within the limits of its possibilities, and it shall ensure a state of tranquility and equal opportunities to all Jordanians.
Article 7
Personal freedom shall be guaranteed.
Article 8
No person may be detained or imprisoned except in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Article 9
(i) No Jordanian may be deported from the territory of the Kingdom.
(ii) No Jordanian may be prevented from residing at any place. or be compelled to reside in any specified place, except in the circumstances prescribed by law.
Article 10
Dwelling houses shall be inviolable and shall not be entered except in the circumstances and in the manner prescribed bs law.
Article 11
No properties of any Person may be expropriated except for purposes of public utility and in consideration of a just compensation, as may be prescribed by law.
Article 12
No loans may be forcibly imposed and no property, movable or immovable, may be confiscated except in accordanse with the law.
Article 13
Compulsory labour may not be imposed on any person, but any person may be required to do any work or to reneler any service in circumstances prescribed by law, as stated hereunder:
(i) In a state of necessity, such as a state of war. the occurrence of a public danger, or fire, flood, famine, earthquake, serious epidemic among human beings or animals or animal diseases, insects or pests or any other similar events, or in any other circumstances which might endanger the safety of the population, in whole or in part. (ii)As a result of the conviction of the person concerned by a court of law, provided that the work is done and the service rendered under the supervision of an official authority and provided further that no convicted person shall be hired to, or be placed at the disposal of, any persons, companies, socielies or public bodies.
Article 14
The State shall safegurad the free exercise of all forms for worship and religious rites in accorduncc with the customs observed in the Kingdom, unless such is inconsistent with public order or morality.
Article 15
(i) The State shall guarantee freedom of opinlon. Every Jordanian shall be free to express his opinion by speech, In writing, or by means of photographic representation and other forms of expression, provided that such does not violate the law.
(ii) Freedom of the press and publications shall be ensured within the limits of the law.
(iii) Newspapers shall not be suspended from publication nor shall their permits be revoked except in accordance wlth the provislons of the law.
(iv) In the event of the declaration of martial law or a state of emergency, a llmited censorshin on newspapers. publications, books and broadcasts in matters affecting publlc safety and national defence may be imposed by law.
Article 16
(i) Jordanians shall have the right to hold meetings within the limits of the law.
(ii) Jordanians are entitled to establish societies and political parties provided that the objects of such societies and parties are lawful, their methods peaceful, and their bye-laws not contrary to the provisions of the Constitution.
(iii) The establishment of societies and political parties and the control of their resources shall be regulated by law.
Article 17
All postal, telegraphic and telephonic communications shall be treated as secret and as such shall not be subject to censorship or suspenslon except in circumstances prescribed by law.
Article 18
Congregations shall have the right to establish and maintain their own schools for the education of their own members provided that they comply with the general provisions of the law and be subject to the control of Government in matters relating to their curricula and orientation
Article 19
Elementary education shall be compulsory for Jordanians and free of charge in Government schools.
Article 20
Jordanians are entitled to address the public authorities on any personai matters affecting them, or on any matter relative to public affairs, in such a manner and under such conditlons as may be prescribed by law.
Article 21
(i) Political refugees shall not he extradited on account of their political beliefs or for their defence of liberty.
(ii) Extradition of ordinary criminals shall be regulated by internatlonal agreements and laws.
Article 22
(i) Every Jordanian shall be entithed to be appolnted to public offices under such conditions as are prescribed by law or regulations.
(ii) Appointment to any government office or to any establishment attached to the Government, or to any municipal office, whether such appointment is permanent or temporary, shall be made on the basis of merit and qualifications.
Article 23
(i) Work is the right of every citizen, and the State shall provide opportunities for work to all citizens by directing the national economy and raising its standards.
(ii) The State shall protect labour and enact a legislation therefor based on the following principles: (a) Every worker shall receive wages commensurate with the quantity and quality of his work. (b) The number of hours of work per week shall be defined. Workers shall be given weekly and annual days of paid rest. (c) Special compensation shall be given to workers supporting families and on dismissal, illness, old age and emergencies arising out of the nature of their work. (d) Special conditions shall be made for the employment of women and juveniles. (e) Factories and workshops shall be subject to health safeguards. (f) Free trade unions may be formed within the limits of the law.
Chapter 3: Powers: General ProvisionsArticle 24
(i) The Nation is the source of all powers.
(ii) The Nation shall cxercise its powers in the manner prescrihed by the present Constitution.
Article 25
The Legislative Power shall be vested in the National Assembly and the King. The Nationai Assembly shall consist of a Senate and a Chamber of Oeputies.
Article 26
The Executive Power shall be vested in the King. who shall exercise his powers through His Ministers in accordance with the provisions of the present Constitution.
Article 27
The Judicial Power shall bc cxercised hy the courts of law in their varying types and degrees. All judgements shall be given in accordancc with the law and pronounced in the name of the King.
Chapter 4: The Executive Power
PART I: THE KING AND HlS PREROGATIVES
Article 28
The Throne of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is hereditsry to the dynasty of King Abdullah Ibn Al-Hussein in a direct line through his male heirs as provided hereinafter:
(a) * The Royal title shall pass from the holder of the Throne to his eldest son, and to the eldest son of that son and in linear succession by a similar process thereafter. Should the eldest son die before the Throne devolves upon him, his eldest son shall inherit the Throne despite the existence of brothers to the deceased son. The Kinx may, * As amended in the Official Gszette No. 1831 of 01/04/1965. however, select one of his brothers as heir apparent. In this event, title to the Throne shall pass to him from the holder of the Throne.
(b) Should the person entitled to the Throne die wlthout a male heir, the Throne shall pass to his eldest brother. In the event lhat the holder of the Throne has no brothers, the Throne shall pass to the eldest son of his eldest brother. Should his eldest brother have no son, the Throne shall pass to the eldest son of his other hrothers according to their seniority in age.
(c) In the absence of any brothers er nephews, thc Throne shall pass to thc unclcs and their descendants, according to the order prescribed in paragraph (b) above.
(d) Should the last King die without any heir in the manner prescribed above, the Throne shall devolve upon the person whom the National Assembly shall select from amongst the descendants of the founder of the Arab Revolt, the late Klng Hussein Ibn Ali.
(e) No person shall ascend the Throne unless he is a Moslem, mentally sound and born by a legitimate wife and of Moslem parents.
(f) No person shall ascend the Throne who has been excluded from successlon by a Royal Decree on the ground of unsuitability. Such exclusion shall not of itself include the descendants of such person. The Royal Decree of exclusion shall be countersigned by the Prime Minister and by four Ministers, at least two of whom shall be the Minister of Interior and the Minister of Justice.
(g) The King attains his majority upon the completlon of his eighteenth year according to the lunar calendar. If the Throne devolves upon a person who is below this age, the powers of the King shall be exercised by a Regent or Council of Regency. who shall have been appolnted by a Royal Decree by the reigning King. If the King dies without makinj such nomination, the Council of Ministers shall appoint the Regent or Council of Regency.
(h) Should the King become unable to exercise his powers on account of illness, his powers shall be exercised by a vicegerent or Council of Vicegerents. The Vicegerent or Council of Vicegerents shail be appointed by Royal Decree. Should the King be unable to make such appointment, such shall be made by the Council of Ministers
(i) Should the King wish to leave the country, He shall, before his departure and by a Royal Decree, appolnt a Vlcegerent or a Council of Vicegerents to exercise His powers during His absence. The Vicegerent or Council of Vicegerents shall observe any conditions which may be presecribed ln thc Royal Decree. If the absence of the King is extended to more than four months and the National Assembly is not in session, the Assembly shall be summoned immediately to consider the matter.
(j) Before the Regent or Vicegerent or any member of the Council of Regency or of the Council of Vicegerents assumes his office he shall take an oath, as prescribed in in Article 29 hereof, before the Council of Ministers.
(k) In the event of the death of the Regent or Vicegerent or member of the Council of Regency or of the Council of Vicegerents, or should he become incapable of performing his duties, the Council of Ministers shall appoint a suitable person to replace him.
(l) A Regent or Vicegerent or member of the Council of Regency or of the Council of Vlcegerents shall not be less than thirty years according to the lunar calendar. However, any male relative of the King whe has completed his eighteenih year of age acrording to the lunar calendar may he appointed to any such office.
(m) In the event of the King being incapacitated by any mental illness, the Council of Ministers, on confrirmation of his illncss, shall immediately convene the National Assembly .Should the illness be definitely confirmed, thc National Assembly shall hy resolution depose the King, whereupon title to the Throne shall devolve upon the person entitled thereto after him according to the provisions of this Constitution. If the Chamber of Deputies stands dissolved at the time or if its term had expired and no new Chamber had been elected. the former Chamber of Deputies shall be convened for the purpose.
Article 29
The King shall upon his succession to the Throne take an oath boefore the National Assembly, which shall be convened under the chairmanship of the Speaker of the Senate, to respect and observe the Constitutlon and be loyal to the Natlon.
Article 30
The King is the Head of the State and ls immune from any liability and responsibilsty .
Article 31
The King ratifies the laws and promulgates them. He shall direct the enactment of such regulations as may be necessary for thelr implementation, provided that such regulations are not inconsistent with the provisions thereof.
Article 32
The King is the Supreme Commander of the Land. Naval and Alr Forces.
Article 33
(i)** The King declares war, concludes pesce and ratitles treaties and agreements.
(ii) Treaties and agreements which involve financlal commitments to the Treasury or affect the public or private rights of Jordanians shall not be valid unless approved by the National Assembly. In no circumstances shall any secret terms contained in any treaty or agreement be contrary to their overt terms.
Article 34
(i) The King issues orders for the holding of elections to the Chamber of Deputies in accordance with the provisions of the law,
(ii) The King convenes the National Assembly, inaugurates, adjourns, and prorogues it in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
(iii) The King may dissolve the Chamber of Deputies.
(iv) * The King may dissolve the Senate or relieve any Senator of his membership.
Article 35
The King appoints the Prime Minister and may dismiss him or accept his resignation, He appoints the Ministers; He also dismisses them or accepts their resignatlon, upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
Article 36
The King appoints members of the Senate and appoints the Speaker from amongst them and accepts their resignation.
Article 37
(i) The Klng creates. confers and withdraws civil and military ranks, medals snd honorific titles. He may delegate this authority to any other person by special law.
(ii) Currency shall be minted in the name of the King in pursuance of the law.
Article 38
The King has the right to grant a special pardon or remit any sentence, but any general pardon shall be determined by special law.
Article 39
No death sentence shall be executed except after confirmation by the King. Every such sentence shall be placed before the King by the Council of Ministers accompanied by their opinion thereon.
Article 40
The King shall exercise the powers vested in him by Royal Decrce. Every such Decree shall be countersigned by the Prime Minister and the Minister or Ministers concerned. The King expresses his concurrence by placing his signature above the said signatures.
PART II: MINISTERS
Article 41
The Council of Ministers shall consist of the Prime Minister, who shall he the President and of such numner of Ministers as may be needed and as public interest may require.
Article 42
No rserson shall be appointed a Minister unless he is a Jordanian.
Article 43
The Prime Minister and Ministers shall, before assuming their duties, take the following oath before the King: ''I swear by Almighty God to be loyal to the King, uphold the Constitution. serve the Nation and conscientiously perform the duties entrusted to me''.
Article 44
No Minister may purchase or lease any Government property even if the sale or lease thereof has been offered in pubilc auction. He shall not, while holding his Ministerial office, become a member of the board of directors of any company or take part in any commercial or financial transaction or recelve a salary from any company.
Article 45
(i)* The Council of Ministers shall be entrusted with the responsibillty of administering all affairs of the State, internal and external, with the exception of such matters as are or may be entrusted by the present Constitution(**) or by any other legislation to any other person or body.
(ii) The duties of the Prime Minister, the Ministers and the Council of Ministers shall be defined by regulations made by the Council of Ministers and ratified by the King.
Article 46
Any Minister may be entrusted with the responsibillty of one or more Ministries, as may be stated in the Decree of appointment.
Article 47
(i) Every Minister shall be responsible for the conduct of all matters pertaining to his Ministry, He shall refer to the Prime Minister any matter not falling within his competence.
(ii) The Prime Minister shall dispose of all matters within his powers and competence and shall refer other matters to the Couneil of Ministers for such decision as may be necessary.
Article 48
The Prime Minister and Ministers shall sign the decisions taken by the Council of Ministers, which shall be submitted to the King for ratification in all cases required under the present Constitution or any law or regulations enacted thereunder. Such decisions shall be implemented by the Prime Minister and Misisters, each within the limits of his competence.
Article 49
Verbal or written orders of the King shall not release the Ministers from their responsibilities.
Article 50
In the event of the resignation or dismissal of the Prime Minister from his office, all Ministers shall be considered as having automatically resigned or been dismissed from their offices.
Article 51
The Prime Minister and Ministers shall be collectively responsible before the Chamber of Deputies in respect of the public policy of the State. In addition, each Minister shall be responsible before the Chamber of Deputies in respect of the affairs of his Ministry.
Article 52
The Prime Minister, or the Minister who is a member of either the Chamber of Deputies or the Senate, shall be entitled to vote in the House to which he belongs and to speak in both Houses. However, Ministers who are not members of either House may speak in both Houses without the right to vote.
Article 53
* A motlon of no confidence in the Council of Ministers or in any Minister may be raised by the Chamber of Deputies.
(ii) If the Chamber of Deputies casts a vote of no confidence in the Council of Ministers by an absolute majority of all its members, the Council of Ministers shall resign.
(iii) If the vote of no confidence concerns an individual Minister, he shall resign his office.
Article 54
(i) A session to consider a vote of no confidence in the Council of Ministcrs or in any individual Minister shall be held either at the request of the Prime Minister or at a request signed by not less than ten Deputies.
(ii)* A vote of no conrldence in the Council of Minislers or in any individual Minister may be postponed only for one period, which shall not exceed ten days, either upon the request of the Minister concerned or of the Council of Ministers. The Chamber shall not be dissolved during this period.
(iii)** Every newly formed Council of Ministers shall within one month of its formation, in cases where the Chamber of deputies is in session, place before the Chamber of Deputies a statement of its policy and and No. 1380 of 04/05/1958. request a vote of confidence on the basis of the said statement. If the Chamber of Deputies is not in session at the time, or stands dissolved, the Speech from the Throne shall be considered to be a statement of its pollcy for the purposes of this Article.
Article 55
Ministers shall be tried by a High Tribunal for offences which may be attributed to them in the course of the performance of their duties.
Article 56
The Chamber of Deputies is entitled to impeach Ministers, but a bill of impeachment shail not be passed except by a maiority of two-thirds of the members of the Chamber. The Chamber of Deputies shall appoint, from among its members, deputies who shall present the impeachment to, and proceed before, the High Tribunal.
Article 57
* The High Tribunal shall consist of the Speaker of the Senate as President and eight members.* three of whom shall be selected by ballot by the Senate from amongst its members and five members to be selected from amongst the judges of the highest Civil Court in order of seniority. In case of necessity, the number shall be completed from the presidents of the lower courts, also in order of seniority.
Article 58
The High Tribunal shall apply the provisions of the Penal Code in force in respect of offences specified therein. A special law shall specify thc offences for which Ministers shall be responsible In cases where such offences are not covered by the Penal Code.
Article 59
*Judgements shall be given by the High Tribunal by a majority of six votes.
Article 60
The High Tribunal shall make its own Rules of Procedure for the trial of Ministers. pending the enactment of a special law for this purpose.
Article 61
A Minister who is impeached by the Chamber of Deputies shall be suspeneled from office until his case is determined by the High Tribunal. His resignation shall not prevent the institution of criminal proceedings against him. or the continuance of his trial.
Chapter 5:
The Legislative Power. The National Assembly
Article 62
The riational Assembly shall consist of two Houses:- The Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.
Chapter 5: The Legislative Power. The National Assembly PART I: THE SENATE
Article 63
The Senate, including the Speaker, shall consist of not more than one-half of lhe number of the members of the Chamber of Deputies.
Article 64
In addition to the requirements prescribed in Article 75 of the present Constitution, a Senator must have completed forty calendar years of age and must belong to one of the following classes:- Present and former Prime Ministers and Ministers, persons who had previously held the office of Ambassador, Minister Plenipotentiary, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, President and judges of the Court of Cassation and of thc Civil and Sharia Courts of Appeal, retired military officers of the rank of Lt. General and above, former Deputies who were elected at least twice as deputies, and other similar personalities who enjoy the confidence of the people in view of the services rendered by them to the Nation and the Country.
Article 65
(i)* The term of office of Senators shall be four years. The appointment of members shall be renewed every four years. Senators whose term of office had expired may be reappointed for a further term.
(ii) The term of office of thc Speaker of the Senate shall be two years but he may be reappointed.
Article 66
(i) The Senate shall meet simultaneously with the Chamber of Deputies and the sessions shall be the same for both Houses.
(ii) If the Chamber of Deputies is dissolved, the sessions of the Senate shall be suspended.
PART II: THE CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES
Article 67
The Chamber of Deputles shall consist of members elected by secret ballot In General direct election and in accordance with the provisions of an Electoral Law which shall ensure the following principles:
(i) The integrity of the election.
(ii) The right of candidates to supervise the process of election.
(iii) The punishment of any person who may adversely inflenec the will of voters.
Article 68
(i) * The term of office of the Chamber of Deputies shall be four calendar years commencing from the date of the announcement of thc results of the general elections in the Official Gazette. The King may, by a Royal Decree, Prolong the term of the Chamber for a period of not less than one year and not more than two years.
(ii) A general election shall take place during the four months preceding the end of the term of the Chamber. If the election has not taken place by the end of the term of the Chamber or if such election is delayed for any reason, the Chamber shall remain in office until the election of a new Chamber.
Article 69
(i) The Chamber of Deputies shall elect A its Speaker at the beginning of each ordinary sesslon for a period of one calendar year, but he may he reelected.
(ii) If the Chamber of Deputies meets in an extraordinary session and has no Speaker, the Chamber shall elect a Speaker for a term o•f office which shall terminate at the beginning of the ordinary session.
Article 70
In addition to the requirements prescribed in Article 75 of the present Constitution, a deputy must have completed thirty calendar years of his age.
Article 71
Thc Chamber of Deputies shill have the right to determine the validity of the election of its members. Any voter shall have the right to present a petition to the Secretarist of the Chamber within 15 days of the announcement of the results of the election in his constituency setting out the legal grounds for invalidating the election of any deputy. No election may be considered invalid unless it has been declared as such by a majority of two-thirds of the members of the Chamber.
Article 72
Any deputy may resign his seat by notifying the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies in writing, and the Speaker shall place the resignation before the Chamber for a decision as to whether the resignation should be accepted or rejected.
Article 73
(i) If the Chamber of Deputies is dissolved. a general election shall be held, and the new Chamber shall convene in an extraordinary sesslon not later than four months from the date of dissolution. Such session shall be deemed to be an ordinary session in accordance with the provisions of Arilele 78 of the present Constitution and shall be subject to the conditions prescribed therein in respect of prolongation or adjournment.
(ii) If no elections have taken place hy the end of the four months, the dissolved Chamber shall assume its full constitutional powers and assemble forthwith as if its dissolution had not taken place. It shall remain in office until the election of a new Chamber.
(iii) * Such extraordinary session shall not in any event continue after the 30th day of September and shall be prorogued on that date so that the Chamber may be able to hold its first ordinary session on the first day of October. If such extraordinary session happens to be held during October and November, It shall be considered as the first ordinary session of the Chamber of Deputies.
(iv) * Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (i) snd (ii) of this Article, the King may postpone the holding of the general electio
CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHAD.pdf
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