President Mohammed Shahabuddin has issued a formal order to implement the July National Charter (Constitution Reform), marking the completion of the July National Charter 2025 process. The order was published in the official government gazette on Thursday.According to the gazette, a referendum will be held on the same day as the upcoming 13th National Election, in line with the constitutional reform framework outlined in the July National Charter. The referendum will include ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ votes on the four key issues discussed and finalized by the Consensus Commission.
If the ‘Yes’ vote prevails, a Constitution Reform Council (CRC) will be formed, comprising the newly elected members of parliament (MPs). These representatives will simultaneously serve as MPs and members of the CRC, which will have full authority over the constitutional reform process.
The Constitution Reform Council must complete the reform process within 180 days (six months) from the date of its first session. Upon completion of the reforms, the council will automatically dissolve.
The council will have the authority to convene and adjourn sessions, introduce and adopt reform proposals, and determine all related procedures. The National Parliament Secretariat will provide administrative and logistical support to the council.
Structure of the Constitution Reform Council
On the day newly elected MPs take their parliamentary oath, they will also take an oath as members of the Constitution Reform Council in the same ceremony. The same official who administers the parliamentary oath will administer the council’s oath.
In its first session, members will elect a Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson. Until these positions are filled, a senior member—chosen by consensus—will preside over the session. In the absence of both the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson, any council member may preside, following procedural rules.
The first session of the council will be convened within 30 days of the official announcement of parliamentary election results, similar to the first parliamentary session. A minimum of 60 members will be required to conduct council proceedings.
Decisions of the council will be made by a majority vote. In the event of a tie, the Chairperson will cast the deciding vote.
The gazette further states that the council will enjoy the same legal status, privileges, and immunities as members of parliament. It will be responsible for incorporating the July National Charter into the Constitution as part of its implementation mandate.
Formation of the Upper House
The President’s order also mandates the creation of an Upper House (Second Chamber) within one month after the completion of the constitutional reforms.
This chamber will be formed on the basis of proportional representation (PR), according to the vote share each party receives in the lower house election.
The tenure of the Upper House will extend from the date of its oath-taking until the dissolution of the lower house. No separate candidate list will be required for the Upper House at the time of the national elections.
If any procedural difficulties arise in forming the Upper House, the government may issue directives, and the council will be empowered to enact necessary regulations.
According to the gazette, any reform passed by the Constitution Reform Council will be considered final, requiring no additional approval or endorsement.
The President has also instructed that the amended Constitution be published in the government gazette without delay.