THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF SOMALIA CHAPTER 1: DECLARATION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF SOMALIA Article 1. The Federal Republic of Somalia (1) Somalia is a federal, sovereign, and democratic republic founded on inclusive representation of the people, a multiparty system and social justice. (2) After Allah the Almighty, all power is vested in the people and can only be exercised in accordance with the Constitution and the law and through the relevant institutions. It is prohibited for a person or a section of the public to claim the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia, or to use it for their personal interest. (3) The sovereignty and unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia is inviolable. Article 2. State and Religion (1) Islam is the religion of the State. (2) No religion other than Islam can be propagated in the country. (3) No law can be enacted that is not compliant with the general principles and objectives of 6KDUL·DK Article 3. Founding Principles (1) The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia is based on the foundations of the Holy Quran and the Sunna of our prophet Mohamed (PBUH) and protects the higher objectives of 6KDUL·DKDQGVRFLDOMXVWLFe. (2) The Federal Republic of Somalia is a Muslim country which is a member of the African and Arab Nations. (3) The Federal Republic of Somalia is founded upon the fundamental principles of power sharing in a federal system. (4) The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia promotes human rights, the rule of law, general standards of international law, justice, participatory consultative and inclusive government, and the separation of powers between the legislature, executive and an independent judiciary, in order to ensure accountability, efficiency and responsiveness to the interests of the people. (5) Women must be included, in an effective way, in all national institutions, in particular all elected and appointed positions across the three branches of government and in national independent commissions. Article 4. (1) Supremacy of the Constitution $IWHUWKH6KDUL·DKWKH&RQVWLWXWLRQRI the Federal Republic of Somalia is the supreme law of the country. It binds the government and guides policy initiatives and decisions in all sections of government. 1