The President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
is the Head of State.
Article 70
Nomination and Appointment of the President
The House of Peoples’ Representatives shall nominate the candidate for
President.
The nominee shall be elected President if a joint session of the House
of Peoples’ Representatives and the House of the Federation approves his
candidacy by a two-thirds majority vote.
A member of either House shall vacate his seat if elected President.
The term of office of the President shall be six years. No person shall
be elected President for more than two terms.
Upon his election in accordance with sub-Article 2 of this Article, the
President, before commencing his responsibility, shall, at a time the joint
session of the Houses determines, present himself before it and shall make
a declaration of loyalty to the Constitution and the Peoples of Ethiopia
in the following words:
"I ....., when on this date commence my responsibility as President of
the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, pledge to carry out faithfully
the high responsibility entrusted to me."
Article 71
Powers and Functions of the President
He shall open the joint session of the House of Peoples’ Representatives
and the House of the Federation at the commencement of their annual sessions.
He shall proclaim in the Negarit Gazeta laws and international agreements
approved by the House of Peoples’ Representatives in accordance with the
Constitution.
He shall, upon recommendation by the Prime Minister, appoint ambassadors
and other envoys to represent the country abroad.
He shall receive the credentials of foreign ambassadors and special envoys.
He shall award medals, prizes and gifts in accordance with conditions and
procedures established by law.
He shall, upon recommendation by the Prime Minister and in accordance with
law, grant high military titles.
He shall, in accordance with conditions and procedures established by law,
grant pardon.
