UN General Assembly
1960

42. I quote from the preamble to the Constitution: "The problem of the Chief of State involves a choice of considerable political importance, A new State in process of formation must decide between various systems. Is the Chief of State to be without responsibility and distinct from the Government, or is he to be responsible and form an integral part of the Government? If the Chief of State does have responsibility, is he to be responsible directly to the people or, together with the ministers, to the elected Assemblies? "The Round-Table Conference adopted the system of a Chief of State who, on the European model, does not have responsibility". I emphasize the phrase: "The system of a Chief of State who does not have responsibility." "Before 30 June 1960, the two Congolese Chambers shall convene in joint session to take a decision on the designation of a Chief of State, whose acts shall have no effect unless they are countersigned by a minister of the Congolese Government, which alone is responsible". Here again, I emphasize: "The Congolese Government, which alone is responsible. This system will continue until the Constitution" (i.e., the definitive Constitution) "enters into force." "If no agreement can be reached on this appointment, the function of Chief of State will be assumed provisionally by the President of the Senate or the President of the Chamber of Representatives or by the representative from either Chamber who is senior in age.