CHAPTER XII. AMENDMENT OR REVISION OF THE CONSTITUTION AND FINAL PROVISIONS
Article 175. Procedure for amending or revising the Constitution
The power to initiate amendment or revision of the Constitution is vested in the President of the Republic after approval by Cabinet, or in each Chamber of Parliament through a two thirds (2/3) majority vote of members.
The amendment or revision of the Constitution requires a three-quarters (3/4) majority vote of the members of each Chamber of Parliament.
However, if the amendment concerns the term of office of the President of the Republic or the system of democratic Government based on political pluralism, or the constitutional regime established by this Constitution especially the republican form of the Government and national sovereignty, the amendment must be passed by referendum, after adoption by each Chamber of Parliament.
No proposal of amendment to this Article is permitted.
Article 176. Commencement of laws
Laws and orders cannot enter into force without their prior publication in accordance with procedures determined by law.
Ignorance of a duly published law is not an excuse.
Unwritten customary law remains applicable provided it has not been replaced by written law, is not inconsistent with the Constitution, laws, and orders, and neither violates human rights nor prejudices public security or good morals.
Article 177. Commencement of this Constitution
This revised Constitution passed by referendum of 18/12/2015 comes into force upon promulgation by the President of the Republic and its publication in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Rwanda.
