Algerian Constitution of 1963
The first Constitution of independent Algeria, approved by referendum on May 8, 1963, was promulgated on September 10, 1963 in the official journal. After 132 years of French colonization, 7 and a half years of war to regain independence, Algeria became a democratic and popular Algerian Republic, with an eminently socialist vocation and with the motto “The Revolution by the people and for the people”.
Advocating a presidential regime, the Constitution establishes Islam as the state religion and Arabic as the national and official language. In the preamble, it is specified that “Algeria must affirm that the Arabic language is the national and official language and that it derives its essential spiritual strength from Islam; However, the Republic guarantees everyone respect for their opinions, their beliefs and the free exercise of religion.
The National Liberation Front (FLN), a single party, ensures “the harmonious and effective functioning of the political institutions provided for by the Constitution”. The event inaugurates, for Algeria, the era of sovereignty, constitutional legality and the stability of institutions, guarantors of nation-building.
The fundamental rights of citizens and Algeria's attachment to international principles through its adherence to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are guaranteed. “The fundamental rights recognized to every citizen enable them to participate fully and effectively in the task of building the country. They allow it to develop and achieve itself harmoniously within the community, in accordance with the interests of the country and the options of the people.
The institutional framework which has just been completed by the adoption of the first Algerian Constitution was preceded by the election of the first Constituent Assembly on September 20, 1962 which led to the proclamation of the democratic and popular Algerian Republic on September 25, 1962, followed, a few days later, on September 29, by the constitution of the first government of independent Algeria.
Advocating a presidential regime, the Constitution establishes Islam as the state religion and Arabic as the national and official language. In the preamble, it is specified that “Algeria must affirm that the Arabic language is the national and official language and that it derives its essential spiritual strength from Islam; However, the Republic guarantees everyone respect for their opinions, their beliefs and the free exercise of religion.
The National Liberation Front (FLN), a single party, ensures “the harmonious and effective functioning of the political institutions provided for by the Constitution”. The event inaugurates, for Algeria, the era of sovereignty, constitutional legality and the stability of institutions, guarantors of nation-building.
The fundamental rights of citizens and Algeria's attachment to international principles through its adherence to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are guaranteed. “The fundamental rights recognized to every citizen enable them to participate fully and effectively in the task of building the country. They allow it to develop and achieve itself harmoniously within the community, in accordance with the interests of the country and the options of the people.
The institutional framework which has just been completed by the adoption of the first Algerian Constitution was preceded by the election of the first Constituent Assembly on September 20, 1962 which led to the proclamation of the democratic and popular Algerian Republic on September 25, 1962, followed, a few days later, on September 29, by the constitution of the first government of independent Algeria.