Article 194
The referendum on the adoption and promulgation of this Constitution shall take place before July 19, 2003. The promulgation shall mark the end of the transition period.

Article 195
The institutions provided for by the Fundamental Law of the Transitional Period remain in force until the establishment of the corresponding institutions provided for in this Constitution. However, the President of the Republic shall dissolve the National Transitional Assembly at least one month prior to the holding of elections for members of the Chamber of Deputies.
The Transitional National Assembly shall not amend this Constitution.

Article 196
Presidential and parliamentary elections must be held not later than six months after the referendum on this Constitution.
The elected President of the Republic shall be sworn in no later than one month after his or her election. His or her oath of office shall be administered by the President of the Supreme Court.

Article 197
Members of the Senate shall be sworn in not later than two months after the swearing in of the President of the Republic.
However, during the first term of the Senate, one half of Senators referred to in Article 82, 2° and 82, 3° shall be appointed at the very start of the term and the other half shall be appointed after one year for a term of office of eight years.
Members of the Chamber of Deputies shall be sworn in not later than fifteen (15) days after their election.

Article 198

Article 199
The President, Vice-President of the Supreme Court, the Prosecutor General of the Republic and the Deputy Prosecutor General of the Republic shall be elected by the Senate not later than two months after it is formed.


Article 200
The Constitution is the supreme law of the State.
Any law which is contrary to this Constitution is null and void.

Article 201
Laws and regulations can only enter into force after they have been duly published in accordance with the procedures determined by the law.
Ignorance of a law which has been duly published is not a defence.
Unwritten customary law remains applicable as long as it has not been replaced by written laws, is not inconsistent with the Constitution, laws and regulations, and does not violate human rights, prejudice public order or offend public decency and morals.

Article 202
This Constitution abrogates and replaces the Fundamental Law of the Republic of Rwanda governing the transitional period as amended to date.
All legislation in force shall remain applicable as long as its provisions are not contrary to this Constitution.

Article 203
This Constitution, adopted by referendum of…………2003 comes into force on the date of its promulgation by the President of the Republic and is duly published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Rwanda.