The 1973 Constitution: How The Prime Minister Is Elected

who elects the prime minister according to 1973 constitution

The 1973 Constitution of Pakistan, also known as the Constitution of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, outlines the powers, functions, and duties of the Prime Minister of Pakistan. It establishes Pakistan as a Federal Republic, with Islam as its state religion. The document also defines the role of the President, who is to be elected by a joint sitting of members of Parliament for a term of 5 years. The President acts on the advice of the Prime Minister, who is elected by the National Assembly. The 1973 Constitution of the Philippines, on the other hand, established a bicameral legislature with the Prime Minister elected by the Batasang Pambansa (Legislature) upon nomination by the President.

Characteristics Values
Country Pakistan, Philippines
Constitution 1973 Constitution
Election of Prime Minister Elected by the Batasang Pambansâ (Legislature) upon nomination by the president
Election Process The president nominates a candidate for prime minister, who is then submitted to parliament for approval before appointment as prime minister
Prime Minister's Powers Recommends names for the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners
Prime Minister's Duties Acts on the advice of the Prime Minister
Prime Minister's Term Length Could be re-elected but could not hold office for more than two terms
Prime Minister's Removal On the grounds of physical or mental incapacity or impeachment on charges of violating the Constitution or gross misconduct
Legislature Bicameral, consisting of two Houses: the National Assembly and the Senate

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The Philippines' 1973 Constitution outlines the election of the prime minister by the Batasang Pambansa (Legislature)

The 1973 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines outlines a clear process for the election of the Prime Minister. The constitution, which was approved by the Filipino people in a referendum between January 10 and 15, 1973, introduced significant changes to the country's governance.

One of the key provisions of the 1973 Constitution was the restoration of the office of the Prime Minister, which had been absent in the previous 1935 and 1943 constitutions. The Sixth Amendment to the 1973 Constitution fused legislative and executive powers in the office of the President, who also assumed the title of Prime Minister. This amendment created a unicameral legislature known as the Interim Batasang Pambansa (IBP) or the Interim National Assembly.

The 1973 Constitution outlines specific qualifications for an individual to become the Prime Minister. According to Article IX, Section 3, the Prime Minister must be a member of the Interim Batasang Pambansa. Membership in the IBP required an individual to be a qualified citizen of the republic, elected by the popular district they represent in the assembly.

The process for electing the Prime Minister involved the incumbent President of the Philippines convening the interim National Assembly and presiding over its sessions until an interim Speaker was elected. The President then called on the assembly to elect the interim President and interim Prime Minister, who would exercise the powers vested in them by the Constitution.

The President also played a role in nominating the Prime Minister. They could nominate a Deputy Prime Minister from among the members of the Batasang Pambansa, subject to election by a majority of its members. The Prime Minister could also appoint Deputy Ministers to perform specific functions.

The Batasang Pambansa held the power to withdraw its confidence from the Prime Minister and elect a successor by a majority vote of all its members. This provision ensured a check on the Prime Minister's power and allowed for a change in leadership if deemed necessary.

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The 1973 Constitution of Pakistan defines the powers, functions, and duties of the prime minister

The 1973 Constitution of Pakistan was the first in the country's history to be framed by elected representatives. It established Pakistan as a parliamentary democracy, concentrating executive power in the office of the prime minister. The constitution defines the powers, functions, and duties of the prime minister in relation to the president and the National Assembly.

The prime minister is responsible for communicating to the president all decisions of the Cabinet relating to the administration of the affairs of the federation and proposals for legislation. They must also furnish such information relating to the administration of the affairs of the federation and legislative proposals as the president may call for. The prime minister advises the president on matters of national importance, and the president may act on this advice. For example, the prime minister can advise the president to refer a matter of national importance to a referendum.

The prime minister holds office during the pleasure of the president. However, the president cannot exercise this power unless a vote of no-confidence has been passed against the prime minister, and no other member of the National Assembly is likely to command the confidence of the majority of its members. The prime minister must also obtain a vote of confidence from the National Assembly within sixty days of assuming office.

The prime minister is responsible for the appointment of Federal Ministers and Ministers of State from among the members of Parliament. They also authenticate, by their signature, a schedule specifying the grants for other expenditures submitted to the National Assembly.

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The 1973 Constitution of the Philippines establishes the role of the interim National Assembly

The Members of the interim National Assembly include the incumbent President and Vice-President of the Philippines, those who served as President of the 1971 Constitutional Convention, and Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives who express their option to serve in writing within 30 days after the ratification of the Constitution. They may take their oath of office before any authorised officer after the ratification of the Constitution.

The interim National Assembly is also responsible for reapportioning Assembly seats in accordance with Article Eight, Section two of the Constitution. It upholds existing laws that are not inconsistent with the Constitution and ensures the continuity of courts and their jurisdiction until otherwise provided by law.

The Assembly also has the power to propose amendments to the Constitution upon a special call by the interim Prime Minister, which take effect when ratified by a majority vote of all its members.

In terms of the Prime Minister, the 1973 Constitution restored the office, but it remained vacant until 1978. The President may nominate a Deputy Prime Minister from among the Members of the Batasang Pambansa, who is then elected by a majority of the Members. The Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and Cabinet members take an oath of office upon assuming their roles. The Prime Minister is the head of the Cabinet and is responsible for supervising the ministries. They are appointed by a majority vote of all the members of the Batasang Pambansa upon nomination by the President.

The President is the head of state and chief executive of the Republic of the Philippines, and they may be directly elected by the people. They have control over ministries, determine national and foreign policies, and command the armed forces. The President also has the right to issue decrees with the force of law.

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The 1973 Constitution of Pakistan mandates that only Muslims can be elected as prime minister

The 1973 Constitution of Pakistan outlines the country's system of government, which is parliamentary with a prime minister as head of government. The constitution also establishes a unicameral legislature, consisting of a National Assembly with 300 members.

The constitution sets out the duties of the prime minister in relation to the president, including communicating all decisions of the Cabinet relating to the administration of the affairs of the Federation and proposals for legislation. It also grants the prime minister the power to advise the president to refer matters of national importance to a referendum.

The 1973 Constitution also includes Islamic provisions based on the principles of the Holy Quran and Sunnah. It declares that Islam is the state religion of Pakistan and defines a Muslim as a person who believes in the Oneness of Allah and in the prophet hood of Hazrat Mohammad as the last prophet of Allah.

One of the most significant Islamic provisions of the 1973 Constitution is the mandate that only Muslims can be elected as Prime Minister and President of Pakistan. This provision was included to ensure that the country's leadership would adhere to Islamic principles and values. The constitution also establishes institutions such as the Shariat Court and the Council of Islamic Ideology to guide the interpretation and application of Islam in the country.

In conclusion, the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan's mandate that only Muslims can be elected as prime minister reflects the country's commitment to Islamic principles and values. The constitution establishes a parliamentary system of government with the prime minister as head, and it outlines the duties and powers of the prime minister, including the ability to advise the president and call for referendums on matters of national importance. The Islamic provisions of the constitution, including the definition of a Muslim and the establishment of Islamic institutions, further reinforce the country's religious and cultural identity.

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The 1973 Constitution of the Philippines outlines the powers and duties of the Executive Committee, headed by the prime minister

The 1973 Constitution of the Philippines was promulgated after Ferdinand Marcos' declaration of martial law. It was supposed to introduce a parliamentary-style government, with legislative power vested in a unicameral National Assembly. The President was to be elected as the symbolic and ceremonial head of state, chosen from among the Members of the National Assembly.

The 1973 Constitution outlines the powers and duties of the Prime Minister and the Executive Committee. The Prime Minister is the head of the Executive Committee, which is composed of no more than 14 other members, at least half of whom are Members of the Batasang Pambansa (National Assembly). The Executive Committee assists the President in exercising his powers and performing his duties. The Prime Minister is also the head of the Cabinet and is responsible for supervising the ministries. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President and elected by a majority vote of all the members of the Batasang Pambansa. The Prime Minister, along with the Deputy Prime Minister and Members of the Cabinet, takes an oath of office, swearing to "faithfully and conscientiously fulfill my duties as (name of position) of the Philippines, preserve and defend its Constitution, execute its laws, do justice to every man and consecrate myself to the service of the Nation."

The 1973 Constitution provided for a true parliamentary system, but in practice, Marcos retained executive powers for himself. The 1981 amendments to the 1973 Constitution restored most of the executive powers to the President, who became directly elected by the people and had complete control over the ministries. The President retained the right to issue decrees with the force of law at any time.

The Prime Minister is responsible for appointing officials and employees in accordance with the Civil Service Law. The Prime Minister also has the power to appoint inferior officers, such as heads of bureaus and offices, and officers of the armed forces. The Prime Minister's salary is fixed by law and is the same as that of the President.

The Executive Committee, headed by the Prime Minister, exercises the powers and discharges the duties of the President in certain circumstances, such as if the President-elect dies or fails to qualify before the start of their term. In such cases, the Executive Committee acts as President until a new President is elected.

Frequently asked questions

The prime minister of the Philippines was elected by the Batasang Pambansa (Legislature) upon nomination by the president.

The prime minister of Pakistan is elected by the National Assembly.

The prime minister of India is appointed by the president of India, but the prime minister must have the support of the majority of Lok Sabha members, who are directly elected every five years.

The 1973 Constitution of Pakistan outlines the powers, functions, and duties of the prime minister. It also declares Pakistan as a Federal Republic, with Islam as the state religion.

The 1973 Constitution of the Philippines provided for a free and independent judiciary and guaranteed rights such as the right to life, liberty, equality, and freedom of speech. It also allowed the interim National Assembly to propose amendments to the Constitution by a majority vote.

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