The legal expert, Counselor Salem Hawas, said, “The President of the Republic is an effective partner with the Prime Minister in accordance with the provisions of the constitution and the law, and his executive powers in parliamentary systems should not be underestimated, as stipulated in the provisions of Article 66 of the Iraqi Constitution, which says that the federal executive authority consists of the President of the Republic and the Council of Ministers exercises its powers in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
Hawas added, in a statement, “The provisions of Article 67 of the constitution stipulate that: The president of the republic is the head of the state and the symbol of the unity of the homeland. He represents the country’s sovereignty, and he ensures compliance with the constitution, and the preservation of Iraq’s independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, in accordance with the provisions of the constitution.”
Hawass asked, “Why do many believe that the president of the republic has a ceremonial and protocol role only, while the provisions of the constitution indicate otherwise?”
Hawass affirmed, “The multiple and mutually exclusive provisions of the constitution, with the President of the Republic assuming his constitutional duties and powers, make him more effective if he takes the initiative in accordance with the provisions of Article 73, which provides for more than ten important items. The President of the Republic assumes the powers to issue special pardons, ratify international treaties and agreements, and ratify death sentences.
Hawas indicated, “One of his dangerous powers is that he ratifies and issues laws enacted by the House of Representatives and calls the elected House of Representatives to convene. Without him, the sessions would not take place, as well as awarding medals. This right is not granted even to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces despite his specific competence, accepting ambassadors, issuing republican decrees, and approving death sentences issued by the competent courts.
Source: National Iraqi News Agency