National Organs
Last Updated on Friday, 17 February 2012 23:51 Friday, 17 February 2012 21:47
1. THE NATIONAL CONVENTION
1) The National Convention is the supreme political organ of the Movement, and shall be composed of:
a) Delegates from State Congresses. The number of Delegates from each State shall be proportional to the number of its registered membership. This category of membership shall not exceed 80% of delegates to the National Convention;
b) Representatives of popular and syndicated organizations;
c) Representatives of Women and Youth Leagues;
d) Representatives of the SPLM Chapters abroad;
e) All Members of the National Liberation Council;
f) Appointees of the Chairperson.
2) The quorum for convening the National Convention shall be two thirds (2/3) of its membership. In case the quorum is not attained in the first meeting the quorum for the second meeting shall be by simple majority (50%+l) and its resolutions shall be binding.
3) Resolutions of the National Convention shall be passed by a simple majority of the members present and voting, and in the case of a tie, the Chair shall have a casting vote.
4) The National Convention shall convene once every five years; however the Convention may convene an extraordinary meeting with the same membership whenever necessary.
5) Voting in the National Convention shall be by show of hands. However secret ballot may be adopted whenever demanded by at least one third of the Delegates.
1.1. Functions and Powers of the NC
1) The functions of the National Convention shall be to:
a) Adopt the Constitution, the Manifesto and endorse policies and programs of the SPLM;
b) Receive and discuss the reports of the National Liberation Council;
c) review, ratify, alter or rescind any decision made by the National Liberation Council;
d) Elect the Chairperson and members of the National Liberation Council.
2) The Chairperson may be removed by the NC in an extraordinary session convened on the request of at least two thirds (2/3) of members of the NLC for violation of this Constitution or gross misconduct provided that the resolution for the removal of the Chairperson shall be carried by three quarters (¾) of all members of the National Convention.
2. THE NATIONAL LIBERATION COUNCIL
2.1. Establishment and Composition
1) There shall be established in the SPLM an organ to be known as "The National Liberation Council" hereinafter referred to as the NLC.
2) The NLC shall comprise of not more than 275 members; provided that women are represented by at least twenty five percent (25%).
3) Membership of the NLC shall be composed of:
a) The Chairperson;
b) The three Deputies of the Chairperson;
c) Secretary General;
d) Members elected by the National Convention representing the States who shall not exceed 80% of the membership of the NLC;
e) Members elected by the National Convention representing SPLM women and youth leagues, popular and syndicated organizations;
f) Appointees of the Chairperson.
4) SPLM State Chairpersons shall be members of the NC and NLC from their respective State lists by virtue of their positions.
2.2. Functions and Duties of the NLC
The National Liberation Council shall:-
1) lead the SPLM between sessions of the National Convention and represent the movement in its relations with other associations, institutions and political parties;
2) Oversee the implementation of the policies and resolutions of the National Convention.
3) Oversee the work of the Political Bureau.
4) Approve the annual budget of the SPLM as proposed by the PB.
5) Be an appellate authority on the loss of membership of the SPLM.
6) Approve the nominations by the Chairperson for membership of the PB ;
7) Endorse the nominees of the Chairperson for the positions of the three Deputies of the Chairperson.
8) Elect the Secretary General from amongst its members;
9) Report to the National Convention.
10) Adopt and form, on the recommendation of the PB, the National Convention Electoral Committee that shall carry out the election process during the National Convention.
11) Remove a Deputy Chairperson in an extraordinary session convened on the request of the Chairperson or at least one third (1/3) of members of the PB provided that the resolution for removal of a Deputy Chairperson shall be passed by two thirds (2/3) of all the members of the NLC.
12) Establish Specialized Standing or Ad doc Committees for carrying out its functions and duties.
13) Determine its rules of procedure subject to the provisions of this Constitution, rules and regulations.
2.3. Meetings of the NLC
1) The National Liberation Council shall be convened once a year in a regular session and may be convened in extraordinary sessions whenever deemed necessary by the Chairperson, PB or on the written request by at least one quarter (1/4) of its members.
2) The quorum for the meetings of the NLC shall be simple majority of its membership (50% + 1)
3) Resolutions of the NLC shall be passed by a simple majority of the members present and voting and in case of a tie; the Chair shall have a casting vote.
4) Voting in the NLC shall be by show of hands. However secret ballot may be adopted whenever demanded by at least one third of the members.
3. THE POLITICAL BUREAU
3.1. Establishment and Composition of the PB
1) There shall be established at the national level an SPLM organ to be known as the Political Bureau;
2) The PB shall be composed of 27 members including the Chairperson, Deputies of the Chairperson, Secretary General and Deputies of the Secretary General.
3) The Chairperson shall be the chair of the PB and shall nominate members to it for approval by the NLC.
4) The Three Deputies of the Chairperson shall be members of the PB
5) The SG shall be a member of the PB and its Secretary.
6) Members of the Political Bureau shall serve for a term of five years.
3.2. Functions and Duties of the PB
The PB shall-
1) Formulate policies, plans and programs in accordance with the vision and mission of the SPLM subject to the provisions of this Constitution and to that end may establish Standing or ad hoc Committees to carry out these tasks;
2) Supervise and direct the daily political, administrative and executive activities of the SPLM;
3) Manage and control all the finances and assets of the Movement;
4) issue policy directives and instructions to, and receive reports from the General Secretariat;
5) Ensure that all the structures of the SPLM function democratically, transparently, effectively and efficiently;
6) Delegate such functions to the General Secretariat as it deems appropriate;
7) Establish departments and committees as it deems appropriate;
8) Scrutinize and endorse the list of SPLM candidates for presidential, state governors, parliamentary and other elections;
9) Approve the appointment of the Deputies Secretary General upon the recommendation of the SG.
10) Scrutinize and approve the appointment of national secretaries and heads of the specialized committees of the General Secretariat as recommended by the Secretary General;
11) Recommend to the National Liberation Council members of the
National Convention Electoral Committee prior to the holding of the National Convention;
12) Determine the number and composition of the NC delegates, the venue and time frame;
13) Perform any other functions and duties that may be assigned to it by the NLC.
3.3. Meetings of the PB
1) Meetings of the PB shall be convened by the Chairperson on his or her own initiative or on the recommendation of the SG to the Chairperson or upon a written request to the Chairperson by at least one third (1/3) of its members.
2) Quorum for the meetings of the PB shall be two thirds (2/3) of its members and in case quorum is not attained in the first meeting, it shall be adjourned and reconvened within two weeks from the date of adjournment and the quorum in the second meeting shall be simple majority.
3) The PB shall ordinarily meet every four (4) months; however, the PB may hold extraordinary meetings whenever necessary.
4) Meetings of the PB shall be presided over by the Chairperson.
5) Meetings of the PB shall be convened by the Chairperson on his or her own initiative or on the recommendation of the SG to the Chairperson or upon a written request to the Chairperson by at least one third (1/3) of its members.
6) Resolutions of the PB shall be carried by simple majority of members present and voting and in case of a tie; the Chairperson shall have a casting vote.
7) The PB may invite any member of the SPLM with expertise on a particular subject under discussion to attend its meetings. Such member may participate in the deliberations and be assigned tasks to perform on behalf of the PB, but shall have no right to vote.
4. THE GENERAL SECRETARIAT
4.1. Establishment and Structures
1) There shall be established in the SPLM an organ to be known as the General Secretariat
2) Without prejudice to the powers of the PB, the General Secretariat shall be structured as follows:
a) Secretary General;
b) Two Deputies Secretary General for the two Sectors;
c) National Secretaries for:
i) Political Affairs and Mobilization;
ii) Administration and Organization ;
iii) Popular and Syndicated Organizations;
iv) Culture, Information and Communication;
v) Training, Research and Planning
vi) External Relations;
vii) Finance and Economic Affairs; and
viii) Social Welfare and Services.
3) The Secretariat General may establish specialized committees to assist it in the performance of its functions.
4) The Secretary General, Deputies of the Secretary General, National Secretaries and all Secretaries of other levels shall be full time officers of the SPLM.
5) SPLM Parliamentary and Executive Caucuses at all levels of Government shall regularly relate to, and consult with the Secretariats at their respective levels for guidance and coordination.
4.2. Functions and Duties of the General Secretariat
The General Secretariat shall:
1) Be responsible for initiation of policies, programs and plans to be approved by the PB;
2) Be responsible for implementation of policies, programs, decisions and resolutions of the higher organs of the Party;
3) Be in charge of the day to day activities of the SPLM;
4) Report and be answerable to the Chairperson and the PB in the discharge of its functions and duties;
5) Receive and consider reports from the Sectors;
6) Prepare basic rules and regulations in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution and submit the same to the PB for approval;
7) Ensure, in the performance of its functions and duties, the participation and involvement of party members in the standing committees, working groups or discussion forums;
8) Manage and control the funds and assets of the Party;
9) Perform any other function or duty that may be assigned to it by the Chairperson, PB or the NLC.
4.3. Meetings of the General Secretariat
1) The General Secretariat shall meet at least once a month, and shall be presided over by the Secretary General or the Chairperson as the situation may require.
2) The General Secretariat shall function in a collegial and collective manner to ensure effectiveness, efficiency, coordination and smooth performance.
3) Meetings of the General Secretariat shall be convened by the Secretary General.
4) Quorum for the meetings of the General Secretariat shall be simple majority.
5) Decisions of the General Secretariat shall be taken by simple majority of members present and voting and in case of a tie; the Chair shall have a casting vote.
6) The General Secretariat may invite any member of the SPLM to attend its meetings. Such a member may participate in the deliberations and may be assigned tasks to perform on behalf of the General Secretariat, but shall have no right to vote.
4.4. Sectoral Organs
1) The General Secretariat shall be organized into two sectors:
(a) The Northern Sector; and
(b) The Southern Sector.
2) Each Sector shall be headed by a Deputy Secretary General.
3) Each Sector Secretariat may establish committees subject to approval by the Political Bureau.
4) Without prejudice to the provisions of Article 23 (2) above, the Deputy Secretary General of each Sector shall report and be answerable to the SG in the discharge of his or her functions and duties.
5) A Deputy Secretary General shall perform any other functions or duties that may be assigned to him or her by the Secretary General.
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