The
President of Iraq is the
head of state of
Iraq and "safeguards the commitment to the
Constitution and the preservation of Iraq's independence, sovereignty, unity, the security of its territories in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution". The President is elected by the Council of Representatives by a two-thirds majority, and is
limited to two four-year terms. The President is responsible for ratifying treaties and laws passed by the Council of Representatives, issues
pardons on the recommendation of the
Prime Minister, and performs the "duty of the Higher Command of the armed forces for ceremonial and honorary purposes".