The president, who is a recipient, 1st Class, of the order by virtue of holding office, is not obligated to respect the proposal.

[1][2][3] The medal is awarded to Slovak citizens who have made exceptional contributions to democracy and human rights, the defence and security of the republic, or for exceptionally significant merit in the fields of politics, state management and administration, the development of the national economy, science and technology, culture, art, education, sports, and for significant spread of the good name of the Slovak Republic abroad.

The Order of Ľudovít Štúr, instituted on 2 February 1994, is bestowed annually on 1 September, on the occasion of the anniversary of the approval of the Constitution of Slovakia.

It is named after the Slovak poet, philosopher, politician, and writer Ľudovít Štúr (1815–1856).

The award has two types—civil and military; each type has three classes, ranked by degree of merit.