Preamble
The Revolutionary Command Council, in the name of the Arab people in Libya, who pledged to restore their freedom, enjoy the wealth of their land, live in a society in which every loyal citizen has the right to prosperity and well-being, who are determined to break the restraints which impede their growth and their development, who will stand with their brothers from all parts of the Arab Nation in the struggle for the restoration of every inch of Arab land desecrated by imperialism and for the elimination of all obstacles which prevent Arab unity from the Gulf to the Ocean. In the name of the Libyan people who believe that peace cannot be achieved without justice, who are conscious of the importance of strengthening the ties which unite them with all the people of the world who are struggling against imperialism; who understand fully that the alliance of reaction and imperialism is responsible for their underdevelopment despite the abundance of their natural resources, and for the corruption which spread through the governmental apparatus; who are conscious of their responsibility in the establishment of a national, democratic, progressive, and unitary government.
In the name of the popular will, expressed on September 1 by the Armed Forces who overthrew the monarchical regime and proclaimed the Libyan Arab Republic in order to protect and strengthen the Revolution until it attains its objectives of freedom, socialism, and unity.
The present Constitutional Proclamation is made to provide a basis for the organization of the state during the phase of completion of the national and democratic revolution, until a permanent constitution is prepared, defining the objectives of the Revolution and outlining the future course.
Chapter I The State
Article 1: Principles
Libya is an Arab, democratic, and free republic in which sovereignty is vested in the people. The Libyan people are part of the Arab nation. Their goal is total Arab unity. The Libyan territory is a part of Africa. The name of the country is the Libyan Arab Republic.
Article 2: State Religion, Language
Islam is the religion of the State and Arabic is its official Language. The state protects religious freedom in accordance with established customs.
Article 3: Solidarity, Family
Social solidarity constitutes the foundation of national unity. The family, based on religion, morality, and patriotism, is the foundation of society.
Article 4: Work
Work in the Libyan Arab Republic is a right, a duty, and an honor for every able-bodied citizen. Public functions are the duty of those who are put in charge of them. The goal of the state employees in discharging their duties is to serve the people.
Article 5: Equality
All citizens are equal before the law.
Article 6: Socialism
The aim of the state is the realization of socialism through the application of social justice which forbids any form of exploitation. The state endeavors, through the edification of a socialist community, to achieve self-sufficiency in production and equity in distribution. Its aim is to eliminate peacefully the disparities between social classes and to attain a society of prosperity. Its inspiration is its Arabic and Islamic heritage, humanitarian values and the specific conditions of the Libyan society.
Article 7: Economy
The state will endeavor to liberate the national economy from dependence and foreign influence, and to turn it into a productive national economy, based on public ownership by the Libyan people and on private ownership by individual citizens.
Article 8: Property
Public ownership is the basis of the development of society, of its growth and of self-sufficiency in production. Private ownership, if it is non-exploitative, is protected. Expropriation will take place only in accordance with the law. Inheritance is a right which will be governed by the Islamic Shari'a.
Article 9: Planning
The state will institute a system of national planning covering economic, social, and cultural aspects. Cooperation between the private and public sectors will be necessary for the achievement of the goals of economic development.
Article 10: No Titles
The creation of honorary titles and civilian ranks is prohibited. All titles granted to the members of the former dynasty and to followers are abolished.
Article 11: Asylum
The extradition of political refugees is prohibited.
Article 12: Home
The home is inviolable and shall not be entered or searched except under the circumstances and conditions defined by the law.
Article 13: Expression
Freedom of Opinion is guaranteed within the limits of public interest and the principles of the Revolution.
Article 14: Education
Education is a right and a duty for all Libyans. It is compulsory until the end of the primary school. The State guarantees this right through the establishment of schools, institutes, and universities, and of pedagogical and cultural institutions in which education is free. The creation of private schools will also be regulated by law. The State is particularly anxious to enhance the physical, intellectual, and moral development of the youth.
Article 15: Health
Health care is a right guaranteed by the State through the creation of hospitals and health establishments in accordance with the law.
Article 16: Defense
Defense of the homeland is a sacred duty. Military service is an honor for the Libyan people.
Article 17: Taxation
No tax will be imposed, modified, or cancelled and no one will be exempted from paying taxes except in accordance with the law.
