except after consultation with the National Defense Council and obtaining the approval of the
House of Representatives by a majority of two-thirds of the members.
In case the House of Representatives has not been elected, the Supreme Council of the Armed
Forces (SCAF) must be consulted and the approval of both the Cabinet and National Defense
Council must be obtained.
Article (153)
The President of the Republic shall appoint and dismiss civil and military employees and
political representatives and accredit political representatives of foreign States and bodies in
accordance with the Law.
Article (154)
After consultation with the Cabinet, the President of the Republic may declare the state of
emergency as regulated by Law. Such declaration must be presented to the House of
Representatives within the following seven days to decide thereon as it deems fit.
If the declaration takes place while the House of Representatives is not in regular session, the
House must be invited to convene immediately in order to consider such declaration.
In all cases, the declaration of the state of emergency must be approved by a majority of the
members of the House of Representatives. The state of emergency shall be declared for a
specified period not exceeding three months, which may only be extended for another similar
period after obtaining the approval of two-thirds of the House members. In case the House of
Representatives has not been elected, the matter shall be referred to the Cabinet for approval
provided, however, that it is presented to the new House of Representatives at its first session.
The House of Representatives may not be dissolved while the state of emergency is in force.
Article (155)
After consultation with the Cabinet, the President of the Republic may issue a pardon or reduce a
sentence.
General amnesty may only be granted by virtue of a law, ratified by the majority of the members
of the House of Representatives.
Article (156)
In case an event which requires taking urgent measures, which cannot be delayed, occurs while
the House of Representatives is not in session, the President of the Republic shall call the House
for an urgent meeting to present the matter thereto. If the House of Representatives has not been
elected, the President of the Republic may issue decrees having the force of law, provided that
41