a) National independence and the unity of the State; b) The rights, freedoms and guarantees of citizens; c) The republican form of government; d) The separation of powers; e) The independence of the courts; f) The multi-party system and the right of democratic opposition; g) The free, universal, direct, secret and regular suffrage of the office holders of the organs of sovereignty, as well as the system of proportional representation; h) The principle of administrative deconcentration and decentralisation; i) The National Flag; j) The date of proclamation of national independence. 2. Paragraphs c) and i) may be reviewed through a national referendum, in accordance with the law. Section 157 (Limits on time of revision) No action may be taken to revise the Constitution during a state of siege or a state of emergency. PART VII FINAL AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS Section 158 (Treaties, agreements and alliances) 1. Confirmation, accession and ratification of bilateral and multilateral conventions, treaties, agreements or alliances that took place before the entry into force of the present Constitution shall be decided upon by the respective competent bodies on a case-by-case basis. 2. The Democratic Republic of East Timor shall not be bound by any treaty, agreement or alliance entered into prior to the entry into force of the Constitution which is not confirmed or ratified or adhered to, pursuant to item 1 above.