PART I FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES Section 1 (The Republic) 1. The Democratic Republic of East Timor is a democratic, sovereign, independent and unitary State based on the rule of law, the will of the people and the respect for the dignity of the human person. 2. The 28th of November 1975 is the Day of Proclamation of Independence of the Democratic Republic of East Timor. Section 2 (Sovereignty and constitutionality) 1. Sovereignty rests with the people, who shall exercise it in the manner and form laid down in the Constitution. 2. The State shall be subject to the Constitution and to the law. 3. The validity of the laws and other actions of the State and local Government depends upon their compliance with the Constitution. 4. The State shall recognise and value the norms and customs of East Timor that are not contrary to the Constitution and to any legislation dealing specifically with customary law. Section 3 (Citizenship) 1. There shall be original citizenship and acquired citizenship in the Democratic Republic of East Timor. 2. The following citizens shall be considered original citizens of East Timor, as long as they are born in the national territory: a) Children of father or mother born in East Timor; b) Children of incognito parents, stateless parents or parents of unknown nationality; c) Children of a foreign father or mother who, being over seventeen years old, declare their will to become East Timorese nationals.