Chairman of the National Council

The Chairman of the National Council (Kuehongese: 主席国会 Chủ tịch Quốc hội), often referred to as Chairman (主席 Chủ tịch), is the Head of State of Kuehong. The Chairman leads the executive branch of the Kuehongese government, the National Security and Stability Council, and serves at most two four-year terms according to the Kuehongese constitution.

History
The position was first established as Chairman of the State Council after the military seized power through the 1967 Kuehongese coup d'etat. Already, the Chief of Defence Forces and Prime Minister Trần Chí Duệ started to take over many of the president's duties as civilian president 尹泰日 Doãn Thái Nhật became increasingly weakened. On 13 July 1968, the appointment was changed to Chairman for State Affairs, before reverting to Chairman of the National Council through the 1972 military constitution. The new position merged the powers of the Prime Minister and the President, giving the position absolute authority over the affairs in the country. The formal establishment of the post marked the end of civilian rule and the start of the military rule in the country.

Trần Chí Duệ held the post until his death on 22 July 1979. Although there was no formal succession plan, he was succeeded by vice-chairman and second-in-command Vũ Tuấn Hưng after an internal debate in the Council. Vu resigned in 1984 and was succeeded by Trần Tu Tín, who later resigned during to failing health.

Under Lý Duc An, a new constitution was implemented that stipulated the powers of the Chairmanship, the term limits, and the succession process. A limited amount of powers were dissolved to the newly-established post Chief Counsellor, who leads the newly-formed National Assembly. The chairmanship continues to retain much authority over key decisions of the country.

Duties
Duties of the president as described in the constitution are;


 * Ensure that the Constitution is respected and upheld;
 * Promote national reconciliation and integration;
 * Ensure and facilitate the proper functioning of the Constitutional Council and other institutions;
 * On the advice of the Election Commission, ensure the creation of proper conditions for the conduct of free and fair elections and referenda.

Constiutional powers
The Chairman has little constraints on their power. The Chairman shall be responsible to Parliament and can be impeached by a two-thirds majority in the Assembly. The Chairman may declare war and peace. He can place the country or any part under a state of emergency, under which they can override any law passed and promulgate any regulation without needing legislative approval. However, to prolong the state of emergency for more than a month, parliamentary approval is needed.

Administrative powers
The Chairman is the head of the executive, as such to make and execute numerous appointments which include the prime minister, cabinet and non-cabinet ministers, provincial governors, public officers, ambassadors and commissioned officers of the armed forces. The president may also appoint secretaries, officers and staff to carry out the duties of the office of the president. Grants and dispositions of lands and other immovable property vested in the Republic.