Key Institutions Report final 15 December 2011 - Unmit

1.1. THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE A REPÚBLICA DEMOCRÁTICA DE TIMOR-LESTE
Section 1
(The Republic)
1. The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste is a democratic, sovereign, independent and unitary
State based on the rule of law, the will of people and the respect for dignity of the human
person.
2. The 28 th of November 1975 is the Day of Proclamation of Independence of the Democratic
Republic of Timor-Leste.
Section 2
(Sovereignty and Constitutionality)
1. Sovereignty rests with the people, who shall exercise it in the manner and form laid down in
the Constitution.
2. The State shall be subject to the Constitution and to the law.
3. The validity of laws and other actions of the State and local Government depends upon their
compliance with the Constitution.
4. The State shall recognize and value the norms and customs of Timor-Leste that are not
contrary to the Constitution and to any legislation dealing specifically with customary law.
Source: Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Sections 1-2
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