Ethiopia 1994 Constitution - Page 8 of 12

Table of Contents

CHAPTER SEVEN. THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC

The President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is the Head of State.

The House of Peoples’ Representatives shall nominate the candidate for President.
The nominee shall be elected President if a joint session of the House of Peoples’ Representatives and the House of the Federation approves his candidacy by a two-thirds majority vote.
A member of either House shall vacate his seat if elected President.
The term of office of the President shall be six years. No person shall be elected President for more than two terms.
Upon his election in accordance with sub-Article 2 of this Article, the President, before commencing his responsibility, shall, at a time the joint session of the Houses determines, present himself before it and shall make a declaration of loyalty to the Constitution and the Peoples of Ethiopia in the following words:”I ………, when on this date commence my responsibility as President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, pledge to carry out faithfully the high responsibility entrusted to me.”

He shall open the joint session of the House of Peoples’ Representatives and the House of the Federation at the commencement of their annual sessions.
He shall proclaim in the Negarit Gazeta laws and international agreements approved by the House of Peoples’ Representatives in accordance with the Constitution.
He shall, upon recommendation by the Prime Minister, appoint ambassadors and other envoys to represent the country abroad.
He shall receive the credentials of foreign ambassadors and special envoys.
He shall award medals, prizes and gifts in accordance with conditions and procedures established by law.
He shall, upon recommendation by the Prime Minister and in accordance with law, grant high military titles.
He shall, in accordance with conditions and procedures established by law, grant pardon.