constituteproject.org PDF generated: 18 Apr 2016, 15:21 • General guarantee of equality • Motives for writing constitution We are drafting a Constitution that achieves equality between us in rights and duties with no discrimination. • Source of constitutional authority We are the citizens. We are the Egyptian people, sovereigns in a sovereign homeland. This is our will and this is the Constitution of our revolution. This is our Constitution. Chapter One: The State Article 1: Nature of the Republic • Type of government envisioned The Arab Republic of Egypt is a sovereign state, united and indivisible, where nothing is dispensable, and its system is democratic republic based on citizenship and the rule of law. • Regional group(s) Egypt is part of the Arab nation and enhances its integration and unity. It is part of the Muslim world, belongs to the African continent, is proud of its Asian dimension, and contributes to building human civilization. • Official or national languages • Official religion • Status of religious law Article 2: Islam, Principles of Islamic Sharia Islam is the religion of the state and Arabic is its official language. The principles of Islamic Sharia are the principle source of legislation. • Status of religious law Article 3: Christian and Jewish religious affairs The principles of the laws of Egyptian Christians and Jews are the main source of laws regulating their personal status, religious affairs, and selection of spiritual leaders. Article 4: Sovereignty Sovereignty belongs to the people alone, which exercises it and protects it. They are the source of power. They safeguard their national unity, which is based on the principle of equality, justice and equal opportunity between citizens, as provided in this Constitution. Article 5: Political system The political system is based on political and partisan multiplicity, the peaceful transfer of power, the separation and balance of powers, authority going with responsibility, and respect for human rights and freedoms, as set out in the Constitution. Article 6: Citizenship • Requirements for birthright citizenship Citizenship is a right to anyone born to an Egyptian father or an Egyptian mother. Being legally recognized and obtaining official papers proving his personal data is a right guaranteed and organized by law. • Requirements for naturalization Requirements for acquiring citizenship are specified by law. Egypt 2014 Page 12