Institutions of the Ivory Coast
...ime Minister, the other ministers, and all bureaucrats. He defines their powers and rights. He may dismiss government workers at his will. He has veto power. He may take over the ministry of Defense if he deems it necessary. Prime Minister He is answerable to the President, and the two together choose the cabinet. He is responsible for all government activities. He appears to be a yes-man most of the time. The president can arbitrarily dismiss him at any time. National Assembly The National Assembly consists of 225 deputies, each elected to five-year terms. The president of the National assembly is a powerful political figure. He replaces the President in case of death or other urgency. Both serve the entire time the Assembly is in session. Each deputy represents the entire country. The National Assembly passes laws with a majority vote; the laws are then sent on to the President. A two-thirds vote is necessary to overturn any presidential veto. This is difficult, as the Ivory Coast has three main parties, all relatively hostile toward one another. Constitutional Council The constitutional council is a unique institution. It is made up of a president, six counselors, and all former presidents. The council president and three of the counselors are chosen by the president, the other three counselors by the President of the National Assembly. It is their responsibility to judge the constitutionality of laws, and to see ...