First Secretary of Vardana
| President of Iotopha | |
|---|---|
| Serokê Iotophā | |
 Coat of Arms of Iotopha | |
| Government of Iotopha | |
| Style | Mr. President (formal) His Excellency (international correspondence) |
| Status | Head of State |
| Member of | |
| Residence |
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| Nominator | Political parties or self-nomination |
| Appointer | Direct popular vote |
| Term length | six years, renewable |
| Constituting instrument | Constitution of Iotopha |
| Precursor | Chairman of the Presidium of Iotopha |
| Inaugural holder | Aram Barzani |
| Formation | 11 July 1985 |
| Salary | 3 million dinar ($53,841) |
The President of Iotopha, fully President of the Democratic Republic of Iotopha (Iotophan: Serokê Iotophā; Պրեսիդենտ ոֆ Իոտոպհա) is the executive head of state of Iotopha. The president is the supreme magistrate of Iotopha and commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Iotopha.
The power of the president include the execution of laws, along with appointing state ministers, diplomatic, regulatory and judicial officers, and concluding treaties with foreign powers with the advice and consent of the Assembly of the People. The president may grant pardons, convene or dissolve the Assembly. The president also holds supreme power over foreign affairs, and directs Iotopha's foreign and domestic affairs.
The president is directly elected by popular vote for a term of six years. Currently the Constitution prohibits an individual from serving more than two terms, though currently there are proposals to alter or remove presidential term limits. The first president was Aram Barzani, who served a single term. In total, there have been six presidents serving six terms. One president has died in office, and one has been removed from office by impeachment. The current President is Fadil Berxwedan, who has served since 12 February 2010.
Powers and duties
Domestic affairs
Chief of the President's duties is to safeguard the Constitution, and ensure that the laws and regulations of the country are in compliance with the Constitution.
The Democratic Republic of Iotopha is a semi-presidential system, affording the Iotophan President substantial power. While the Premier of Iotopha is the head of government, the Assembly and State Council handle much of the nation's day-to-day affairs. The President retains significant power over domestic affairs by appointing the Premier, though the Assembly has the ability to dismiss the Premier, though when the Assembly and the President are of the same party, the President wields significant power in the day-to-day governing. The President sets the guidelines given to the Premier and cabinet ministers, and may dissolve the Assembly to call for new elections. The President and his office also shape basic domestic policy by issuing government regulations and organizational and regulatory activity in the form of decrees or executive orders. By law, the President is required to address a full session of the Assembly of the People once a year regarding the status of the country's internal and external situation.
The President's chief legislative ability is to submit draft legislation to the Assembly for review, and may sign bills into law or veto by withholding his signature. The President may, at his sole discretion, grant pardons or reduce criminal sentencing of any individual, though he may not grant amnesty.
Foreign affairs
The President is responsible for determining the country's foreign policy, and foreign affairs. As head of state, the President is the chief representative of Iotopha worldwide, and represents the country in international relations, negotiations and signs ratification documents. Ambassadorial appointments to foreign countries and international organizations are made by the President, though require a simple majority of the Assembly.
The President also serves as the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Iotopha.
Ceremonial duties
The President is integral in issuing state awards. Typically, state awards are given for military, economics, art, education, or other civil achievements. Hero of the Democratic Republic of Iotopha is the highest honor awarded by Iotopha, but the President may establish other awards as he sees fit.
Selection process
Eligibility
The Constitution of Iotopha sets 4 major qualifications to become President. To serve as President, one must:
- be a citizen of Iotopha
- be at least 30 years old
- be a resident for the last 10 years
- not be married to a non-citizen spouse
Before 2018, a personal otherwise eligible to be elected president could be disqualified for serving two consecutive terms as president, but could serve again after sitting out one term. This requirement was removed by a constitutional amendment.
Election
Election of the president is regulated by the People's Commission on Elections.
The President of Iotopha is directly elected by universal suffrage. In order to gain ballot access, a candidate must receive 677 nominations from incumbent public officials (usually mayors or Members of the Assembly). Presidents are elected by a single round of voting, which can result in a president being elected without receiving a majority of votes. After election, the new president is sworn in during an inauguration ceremony one-month after being elected.
Succession and disability
The presidency can fall to a vacancy under several possibilities including death, resignation or removal from office by impeachment. Upon a vacancy, the Premier of Iotopha becomes acting president. This has occurred on two occasions: the first in 2005 after the death of Rêzan Ghazi, and again in 2010 after the impeachment and removal from office of Beyar Sazan. Until 2005, the Constitution provided no mechanism for replacement of a president in the event of a vacancy. A subsequent amendment passed in 2005 requires a vacancy to be filled by special presidential election. The election is to be held within 24 hours of the vacancy occurring and voting done by the Assembly of the People. In both instances, the sitting Premier has been elected President.
List of presidents
Living former presidents
- Living former presidents
Aram Barzani
served 1985–1989
born 1931 (age 93)
Şivan Godrej
served 2005–2007
born 1939 (age 85)
Beyar Sazan
served 2007–2010
born 1944 (age 80)
