“In constitutional law," Thomashausen explained, "the question always lies in the technicalities. Although this appears to be a ritual, it underlines the assembly’s supremacy and of its deputies, that are elected by the people. […] And here in South Africa, the same assembly that chooses the president can also ask for his resignation with a simple majority. […] And that doesn’t happen in Angola. Angola can only remove his president after a very complicated procedure.”
Thomashausen said technically, Angola has one of the “most modern and perfect” constitutions. Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos calls the document “genuinely national” and “original”.
The document includes 244 articles including chapters about the parameters of citizens’ fundamental rights as well as their social and economic rights.
Professor of Law at the University of Lisbon in Portugal Jorge Miranda says it also gives more power to the President of Angola:
“There is a contradiction in the constitution regarding the fundamental rights and the guarantee of constitutionality, and presidential rights," he said. "The way rights are limited is an important guarantee of fundamental rights. And if there isn’t a limitation of the executive’s power, fundamental liberties may be at risk.”
According to the Angolan constitution, the president simultaneously holds executive power as the head of State, and is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. He can make key government appointments including judges to the Constitutional Court or the Supreme Court and pardon or commute sentences. He is the only one who can ratify international treaties.
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2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25