In addition, no government reports could be officially approved and sent to the capital until it was countersigned by civil officials sent south by the emperor.
Learner drivers may also be required to complete a logbook of their driving experience, which must be certified or countersigned by a supervising driver or driver trainer.
In those circumstances, new legislation is countersigned by the prime minister instead of the president and a new presidential election must be held within 60 days.