GENERAL PRINCIPLES

 

ESTABLISHMENT

ARTICLE 1. The Saadet Party is a political organisation which is established and acts in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey, the Law for Political Parties and under other relevant legislation.

The Headquarters of the Party is located in Ankara.

The special logo (emblem) of the party is five white stars in a white crescent on a coloured background with the word SAADET placed under the crescent.

 

OBJECTIVE OF THE PARTY

ARTICLE 2. The objective of the Party is to undertake the issues written in its Party Program.

The Party shall strive to ensure that the criteria set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights, the fundamental provisions in Article 2 of the Constitution are met in the true sense of individual rights and freedoms in accordance with universal principles and ensure the material and moral development of Turkey with the understanding of “the priority of Morality and Spirituality First”. Efforts shall be made to increase the peace, happiness, freedom, prosperity and reputation of the Nation.

In line with the principle that justice is the foundation of the State, it aims to create a state of the rule of law.

CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP

ARTICLE 3. Those who wish to become a member of the Party must meet the membership criteria outlined in the Law for Political Parties. The criteria for Party membership are:

1. To notify the Party with a written statement that they adopt the Party program and its charter and that it will engage in political activities within this framework,
2. To undertake to pay a certain membership fee to the Party,
3. To be a Turkish citizen,
4. To be over the age of eighteen,
5. To not have prohibitions outlined in Article 11 of the Law for Political Parties,
6. They are not a member of another party.

Those who take office in Party management but who do not have Party membership and those who are candidates for member of parliament, mayor, member of city council and provincial council in elections become a Party member.

 

REGISTRATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

ARTICLE 4. Those who want to become a member of the Party must sign the Declaration of Admission by filling out the related declaration form and the obtain the signatures of two party members for the declaration acting as reference to the person requesting membership.

Membership applications are made to the District Executive Board.

The District Executive Board evaluates the applications. Those whose behaviour is considered inappropriate to the Party Charter and Program shall not be admitted for membership. Any persons whose application for membership is not accepted has the right to appeal to the Provincial Executive Board within one week. The Provincial Executive Board shall resolve this objection within 10 days. This decision shall be final. If the Provincial Executive Board does not respond positively to the request of the person within this period, the objection will be deemed not be accepted.

Those who are accepted to membership are listed in the member registration book. Members can only register in the district where they reside. In case of a change of address of residence, the person requests their registration to be transferred to the district in question. Persons cannot be registered in more than one district.

New members will be notified to the Headquarters by the Provincial Organisations within one month of registration.

The General Executive Board may, if deemed necessary, cancel registration of all members of a district and make the decision to register members again.

The identity cards of those who are admitted to membership are issued by the District Organisation in accordance with the sample issued by the Party Headquarters.

Membership ID cards of those who change their address of residence are replaced.

Membership to the Women’s and Youth Branches shall be carried out as stated above.

 

MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION AUTHORITY OF THE HEADQUARTERS

ARTICLE 5. The General Executive Board decides on the admission of members of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey who wish to enter the Party. The documents of the Members of Parliament for whom the General Executive Board has decided to admit the party are sent to the district where they reside and are registered in that district. If there is an objection by the District Executive Board, it informs the Provincial Executive Board in writing, to be notified to the General Executive Board. The decision of the General Executive Board as a result of the evaluation is final.

 

CONDITIONS OF TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

ARTICLE 6. The termination of membership shall be case for reasons listed below.

1. Resignation,
2. Death,
3. To take up responsibilities in or become a member of another party,
4. It is found that the person does not carry the conditions outlined in the Law for Political Parties or the Party Charter,
5. Being expelled from the Party by the decisions of the Disciplinary Boards,
6. Termination of membership as required by laws or the Charter.

The decision of termination of membership (for which ever reason) is notified to the member in writing. The member whose membership has been terminated can be appealed to the Provincial Executive Board within 15 days. The Provincial Executive Board must make a decision regarding the appeal within 15 days and notify the person of the decision in writing. The concerned may appeal the decision to the General Executive Board within 7 days. The decision of the General Executive Board is final.

 

RE-REGISTRATION AND ACCEPTANCE TO THE PARTY

ARTICLE 7. The General Executive Board decides upon the re-registration and acceptance of the Board of Founders, Members of the General Executive Board, Members of the Advisory Board, Members of Parliament, Disciplinary Board Members, Provincial Directors and Mayors following a decision for termination of membership for whatever reason. This decision is final.

Other than those afore-mentioned, the Provincial Executive Board decides on the registration and acceptance of members by obtaining the opinion of the district where the registration of the concerned person is terminated. This decision is final.

 

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS

ARTICLE 8. The rights and responsibilities of Party members are thus:

 

Rights of Party Members

1. Right to candidacy and election to a Party organ,
2. Right to be a candidate for nomination in general or local elections,
3. Right to participate in Party internal elections and assemblies to which they are a member, to present their opinions and vote,
4. Right to request information about Party activities.

 

Responsibilities of Party Members

1. Members contribute materially and morally to Party activities. This is the legal and moral responsibility of each member. Two types of fees are foreseen. These are 1) Membership fees and 2) party Headquarter fees. Anyone who is a member of the Party must pay the membership fee. Members of the General Executive Board, Members of the High Disciplinary Board, Party Founders, Members of Parliament and elected Grand Assembly Delegates shall pay the Part Headquarter fees. The amount and the form of payment of membership and Party headquarters fees are determined by the General Executive Board.
2. Members who do not pay their fees cannot exercise their right to elect and be elected within the Party.
3. To make efforts to protect, develop and strengthen the historical, national and moral values ​​of society,
4. To strive to have good education and correct knowledge in all respects, with a strong faith and mutual love and respect. To work within the principle of team work, in accordance with the principles of tolerance and good morality, making sacrifices on personal interests, without violating the rights of others, by not engaging in argument or conflict but working in harmony with their colleagues, for the benefit of society.
5. To participate in Party discourse, performing the given task in the best possible and meticulous manner, following the instructions given, being loyal to the principles of the Party and its Leader.
6. To work with all their strength to create a society with high moral values, where everyone lives in harmony, peace and brotherhood, who love and respect each other.
7. To perform other duties specified in legislation, the Party Charter and regulations and to assume responsibilities in this scope.

CHAPTER THREE

SECTION ONE

 

ORGANISATION

PARTY ORGANISATION

 

ARTICLE 9. The Party organisation comprises the following levels.

• Principle Organisations (Main Organisations)
• Auxiliary Organisations
• National Representation and Representation Abroad
• Locations for Provision of Services

 

I- PRINCIPLE ORGANISATIONS (MAIN ORGANISATIONS)

 

1.CENTRAL ORGANISATION

1. Grand Assembly
2. President
3. General Executive Board
4. Presidency Council
5. High Disciplinary Board

2.PROVINCIAL ORGANISATION

1. Provincial Assembly
2. Provincial Director
3. Provincial Executive Board
4. Provincial Disciplinary Board

 

3.DISTRICT ORGANISATION

3. District Assembly
4. District Director
5. District Executive Board

 

4.TOWN ORGANISATION

4. Town Director
5. Town Executive Board

 

5.GROUPS

5. Group for the Grand National Assembly of Turkey
6. Group for the Provincial General Council
7. Group for the Municipal Council

All organisational levels must abide by the decisions and instructions of the Headquarters, and in similar fashion, each organisational level must abide by the decisions and instructions of the immediate upper level of organisation.

 

II- AUXILIARY ORGANISATIONS

1. High Advisory Board
2. Women’s Branch
3. Youth Branch
4. Coordination Unit for Persons with Disabilities
5. Political Boards
6. Advisory Board
7. Party Inspectors
8. Other auxiliary organisations identified to be necessary by the General Executive Board, to carry out work within a Party organisation level as determined by the General Executive Board.

 

III- NATIONAL REPRESENTATION AND REPRESENTATION ABROAD

 

         LOCAL REPRESENTATION

1. Village and Neighbourhood Representations
2. Ballot Region Representations

Neighbourhoods, Villages and Ballot Regions are the basis of foundational Party activity. Village, neighbourhood or ballet region representations, with no less than 3 representatives, can be established, formed of Party members of District and Town Organisations’ Executive Boards in order to promote the Party and Party activities, to identify and report deficiencies and demands, to perform the duties to be requested by the Party.

 

        REPRESENTATION ABROAD

2. Representations in countries where there is a concentration of Turkish citizens.
3. Representations established for the correct promotion of Turkey in that country in terms of national interest
4. Representations in countries where our citizens are concentrated.
5. The terms of our national interests in that country established in places that require accurate presentation of Turkey's representative.

 

IV- LOCATIONS FOR PROVISION OF SERVICES

Party organisations may open clubs, liaison offices, neighbourhood and village representative service provision venues or similar places outside the Party organisation building. Members of Parliament, mayors and candidates for municipal and provincial council members can also open a public relations office on their own behalf.

Organisations can conduct all types of Party activities in places other than Party service provision areas.

 

SECTION TWO

ASSEMBLIES

 

GRAND ASSEMBLY

 

ARTICLE 10.  The Grand Assembly is the highest decision making organ of the Party and comprises of elected and natural members.

 

Natural Members (Delegates)

1. Party President
2. Members of the Party’s General Executive Board
3. Members of the High Disciplinary Board
4. Ministers and Members of Parliament of the Party
5. Founding Members of the Party

 

Elected Members (Delegates)

The elected members are twice the total number of members of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. In each province, twice as many members of that of the province’s Members of Parliament are elected at the Provincial Assembly.

Natural members cannot participate in the delegate elections.

The first Grand Assembly is held within two years of establishment of the Party.

The Party Founding Board is responsible for gathering the Assembly. The natural membership in the Grand Assembly of Party Founders whose memberships have ended shall also be terminated.

The authority of the Grand Assembly lies with the Founders Board, until the Grand Assembly is held.

 

AUTHORITIES OF THE GRAND ASSEMBLY

ARTICLE 11. The responsibilities and authorities of the Grand Assembly is as follows:

1. To elect the Party President, the main and reserve members of the General Executive Board and the main and reserve members of the High Disciplinary Board by secret ballot,
2. Making changes to the Party’s Charter and Program,
3. To accept or reject the party’s income-expenditure accounts and the activities of the General Executive Board,
4. To take advisory or binding decisions about public activities on the issues concerning the society and the state within the framework of legislation, the Party Charter and Program,
5. To take advisory or binding decisions on the general policy of the Party, provided that they are of a general nature,
6. To take decisions on other issues in the direction indicated by law or the Party Charter,
7. To decide on the closure of the Party or its unification with another Party, and thus to take decisions on the liquidation or transfer of Party assets in case of the legal termination of the Party.

 

CONVENING OF THE GRAND ASSEMBLY AND AGENDA

 

ARTICLE 12.

1. Ordinary Meetings

The ordinary meetings of the Grand Assembly are held on the agenda, venue and date determined by the General Executive Board. It cannot be held in a period of less than two years and more than three years.

The General Executive Board determines the agenda of the Grand Assembly. The Grand Assembly is announced to the delegates in a suitable manner.

If a majority cannot be met on the announced date, the second meeting is held preferably in the same venue on the day specified in the decision of the Assembly, and if the meeting venue is not available, it will be held in a suitable place to be determined by the General Executive Board. The announcement is made to delegates in the same way.

 

1. Extraordinary Meetings

The Extraordinary Grand Assembly is held upon the request of the President or General Executive Board or at least one fifth of the Grand Assembly delegates collective signatures requesting such by written notarised request.

Extraordinary Assemblies convene with a particular agenda, under agenda proposed by those who request the assembly to meet. No other items can be discussed outside of the agenda during the Extraordinary Assemblies.

If the Extraordinary Assembly was requested by the delegates of the Grand Assembly, the agenda item of election can only be undertaken if the absolute majority of  delegates submit a written request with “signature approved by notary”.

The General Executive Board determines the venue and date of the Assembly in consultation with the Provincial Organisations’ Executive Board.

 

CONDUCTING THE GRAND ASSEMBLY

ARTICLE 13. The quorum for the Grand Assembly is the absolute majority of the total number of members.

If the quorum is met, the Grand Assembly is opened by the President or a member of the General Executive Board appointed by the Chairman.

Before the Grand Assembly goes on to discuss the agenda, one President elects enough Vice Presidents and Clerk Members by signify vote.

The Assembly Council is responsible for administering the agenda, keeping order during the meeting, applying sanctions against those who disrupt the order, removing those who disrupt the order when necessary, preparing and signing the minutes of the meeting. The Assembly Council takes its decisions with absolute majority. In case of equality of votes, implementation is made in the direction of the President’s decision.

 

GRAND ASSEMBLY ACTIVITIES

ARTICLE 14. The Grand Assembly carries out the meeting in the order of its agenda. The order of the agenda items can be changed by the decision of the majority of the delegates. Items additional to the Grand Assembly agenda that are not in violation of the Law, Party Program and Charter are decided to be discussed by the proposal of one tenth of the delegates and the absolute majority of those present.

In order to decide on decisions concerning amendments to the Party Charter and Program or on issues concerning Party policy, these must be proposed by the President, the General Executive Board or at least one-twentieth of the Grand Assembly members. In order to decide on issues concerning society, the State and public activities which are within the framework of Laws, the Party Charter and Program, it is necessary for these proposals to have been made by at least one third of members present in the Grand Assembly. These proposals are can only be accepted by decision after evaluation of a committee elected by the Grand Assembly and following the assessment of the report of this committee.
 

The Account Statement Report is read. These reports can be discussed separately or jointly.

The Grand Assembly sets up commissions to examine any issues it deems necessary. The establishment of these commissions is decided by signifying vote.

The report of the Accounts Inspection Commission, which was established to examine the accounts, is first read and discussed.

Those who want to wish to speak in the Grand Assembly are called to speak in turn. The President and the General Executive Board Members have the right to speak first. Head of Commission and their spokespersons are also given priority to speak.

In case order is not kept during the meeting, the President of the Assembly shall give verbal warnings to ensure the order. After the second warning, the person with continued inappropriate behaviour is removed from the venue.

Members of the General Executive Board cannot speak against the activities of the board of which they are members. Disciplinary action shall be made against those who act otherwise.

The General Executive Board has the first priority in answering the questions and criticism arising from speakers.

The chairman warns those who diverge from subject at hand during their speech. Despite this warning, if the speaker continues to diverge from the subject at hand, their speech will be halted. The Assembly Chairman takes care to facilitate the Assembly according to the Assembly Rules. Following the evaluation of the Assembly Council, if necessary, the Chairman of the Assembly may interrupt the Assembly and remove some or all of the audience in cases where those continue to speak or act in a manner which is deemed unlawful.

After the discussions are completed, the General Executive Board activity report and accounts audit commission report are voted. In case of acceptance, the General Executive Board will be exonerated.

Elections to be held in the Grand Assembly are conducted in accordance to Article 19 of the Charter.

 

PROVINCIAL AND DISTRICT ASSEMBLIES

ARTICLE 15. The Provincial and District Ordinary Grand Assemblies at the venue and date determined by the higher levels of the Party Organisation. It cannot be held in a period of less than two years and more than three years.

Senior management boards can directly determine and change these dates if deemed necessary.

The date, time, venue and agenda of the Provincial and District Assemblies are announced to the delegates in the usual manner. There is no obligation to make this announcement by means of a newspaper.

Provincial and District Extraordinary Assemblies convene upon the decision of the Executive Board or upon the request of one fifth of the delegates and the call of the Provincial and District Directors. If the extraordinary meeting will be held at the request of one-fifth of the delegates, the Provincial and District Director determines the venue and date of the Assembly after seeking the opinion of the lower level organisations.

Provincial and District Extraordinary Assemblies are held according to the procedure set out in Article 12 of the Charter. The agenda of the Extraordinary Assemblies of the Provincial and District is organised by those who request the Assembly. No other agenda topic can be discussed at the Assembly.

The quorum for the Provincial and District Ordinary Assemblies is one tenth of the total number of delegates. Decisions are made with the majority of those present.

The candidate and the list with the highest number of votes in the Provincial and District Assemblies shall be considered elected.

Assemblies of all Party organisation levels are held in accordance with the procedures outlined in this Charter.

 

PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLIES

ARTICLE 16. Provincial Assemblies consist of natural delegates and delegates elected according to the Charter at District Assemblies. The number of elected delegates cannot exceed 600. It is obtained by those coming from each district. Lack in numbers are completed, but not to exceed 600 in total.

 

NATURAL DELEGATES OF THE PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY

ARTICLE 17. Members of Parliament, Chairmen and Members of the Executive and Disciplinary Boards and Metropolitan City Mayors of a province are the natural members of that Provincial Assembly. Temporary Chairman and Members of the Executive Board also have the right to attend the Assembly. However, they cannot vote if they are not delegates.

 

DISTRICT ASSEMBLIES

ARTICLE 18. The District Assembly consists of natural delegates and delegates elected by members registered in the political parties registry, according to the number of votes received from the villages and neighbourhoods in the district in the last general election.

The number of elected delegates of the District Assembly cannot exceed 400.

The Temporary Chairman of the District Executive Board and Members have the right to attend the Assembly. However, those who are not delegates do not have the right to vote in the Assembly.

District Executive Board Chairman and Members, District and Town Mayors are natural members of District Assembly. Provincial Mayors are natural members of the Central District Assembly.

The number of delegates for the District Assemblies of villages or neighbourhoods is found by multiplying the number of votes obtained by the party in the last general election and dividing the number of votes received by the party throughout the district and multiplying this number by 400.

Lack in numbers are completed, but not to exceed 400 in total.

The District Executive Board may appoint one or more members from within the Board to conduct the delegate elections in the villages and neighbourhoods, and may appoint one or more members in that village and neighbourhood for these only these procedures.

Minutes regarding the election are sent to the District Directorate after the election.

 

CONDUCTING ASSEMBLIES AND ELECTIONS

ARTICLE 19.  Delegates of the Party’s Headquarters, provincial and district organs and high boards are elected on the basis of secret ballot voting and open classification under the supervision of the judiciary.

The lists that identifies the Party members who will attend the Assembly 15 days before the elections are sent in two copies to the District Election Board by official letter, to be approved for the Grand Assembly and Provincial and District Assemblies, and informs of the venue, date and time of the meeting.

The approved list and other aspects related to the meeting are announced by posting an announcement at the Party building for which the Assembly will take place 7 days before the date of the Assembly. The period of posting is 3 days. Objections made to the list within the 3-day announcement period are examined by a judge and finalised within two days at the latest. Thus, the finalised lists and other aspects related to the meeting are approved by the judge and sent to the relevant organisation of the Party.

A notice for applications for candidacy to the organs to be elected at the Assemblies are determined by the chairman of the Assembly and announced to the delegates and candidates are informed at the end of this period. It is not possible to run for more than one office of an organ in the elections. To be a candidate for the Party President, it is essential to be a party member and to be nominated by at least fifteen percent of the total number of delegates to the Grand Assembly. The proposal of the delegates can be documented with a Notary Document, or it can be signed by the Presidency of the Board Council or the member appointed by the Presidency of this Council.

The President, General Executive Board main and reserve members, main and reserve members of the High Disciplinary Board to be elected at the Grand Assembly can be arranged as one list or as separate lists. The same procedure is applied for the organs to be selected in the Provincial and District Assemblies.

If more than one list is to be included in the elections, each list can be printed and prepared in different colours and shapes.

These lists are duplicated in sufficient number by the Chairman of the Assembly and stamped by the president of the relevant election board.

The voting process takes place when the list duplicated in sufficient number by the Chairman of the Assembly and sealed by the chairman of the relevant election board and placed in the envelope and placed in the ballot box.

Those whose membership is approved and who shall participate in the Assembly and those whose names are on the delegate list shall vote and sign against their names upon showing their official ID.

In the Assembly, when the chairman of the balloting board determines that there is no more delegates at the meeting who have not voted, the ballots are counted.

The election can be challenged within two days from the issuance of the minutes. This objection is decided by the judge on the same day.

If the judge decides to re-new the elections, the Assembly will meet only to hold the election. If the quorum cannot be obtained, the election is made without seeking quorum at the Assembly to be held on the day specified in the Assembly.

Other issues are organised by the Assembly regulations.

 

NOTIFYING RELATED AUTHORITIES OF THOSE ELECTED TO PARTY ORGANS

ARTICLE 20. Except for the Party assemblies, the names, surnames, birth places and dates, occupations or art careers, address of residence and identity cards of those elected to all other party organisations are notified to the highest administrative authority of that district within 15 days after the election or appointment.

The President, the General Executive Board and the members of the High Disciplinary Board are directly notified to the Ministry of Interior and the Office of the Public Prosecutor of the Supreme Court.

 

SECTION THREE

HEADQUARTERS

 

PRESIDENT

ARTICLE 21. The Party President is elected for a maximum of three years by secret ballot in the Grand Assembly and by the absolute majority of the total number of members. If there is no result in the first two votes, the President who gets the most votes in the third vote is elected.

 

The authority to represent the Party belongs to the President. Excepting that the special provisions in the legislation are reserved, the authority of filing a lawsuit or representation in the case of hostility in the name of the Party belongs to the President or Members of the Executive Board to be appointed by the President, on his behalf.

The Party President is the natural chairman of the General Executive Board and all Party organisations and organs (except the Disciplinary Boards). It can call Party organisations of all levels to convene together or separately.

The President may appoint persons who have knowledge, experience and expertise in politics, science, government and business as Advisor to the President.

In the case of his absence, the President shall designate one of the members of the Presidency Council as Deputy President.

In case the post of the Presidency is vacated for any reason, the General Executive Board elects a Vice President from among its members and is invited to the meeting to elect the President of the Grand Assembly within 45 days at the latest.

 

PRESIDENCY COUNCIL

ARTICLE 22. The members of the Presidency Council to serve together with the President are determined by the President from among the members of the General Executive Board and submitted to the approval of the General Executive Board.

Presidency Council comprises of the President, Vice Presidents, General Secretary, Directors of the Women’s Branch and Youth Branch of the Headquarters. The Grand National Assembly of Turkey Group Deputies and Inspectors may be invited to the Presidency Council meetings as observers.

The Presidency Council comprises of the following units:

1. Vice President: Director of Organisations
2. Vice President: Director of Political Affairs
3. Vice President: Director of Planning and Coordination
4. Vice President: Director of Election Affairs
5. Vice President: Director of Publicity and Media
6. Vice President: Director of Civil Society Organisations and Public Relations
7. Vice President: Director of Education
8. Vice President: Director of Foreign Affairs

• Vice President: Director of Local Administrations

1. Vice President: Director of General Accounting and Financial Affairs
2. Vice President: Director of Social Affairs
3. Vice President: Director of Economic Affairs
4. Vice President: Director of Legal Affairs
5. General Secretary
6. President of the Women’s Branch
7. President of the Youth Branch

The Presidency Council may separately determine the working principles of its members with the Internal Regulation.

Depending on the need, new Vice Presidents can be appointed by the General Executive Board.

Vice Presidents may appoint a sufficient number of assistants with the approval of the President.

The duty of the President, Vice Presidents and General Secretary is to implement the decisions taken by the General Executive Board.

President and the Presidency Council are authorised and responsible for performing the duties outlined by the Party Charter and implementing the decisions taken in the Grand Assembly and the General Executive Board.

The General Secretary represents the Party against natural and legal persons in private and public institutions and organisations and in all judicial institutions on behalf of the President.

The General Secretary prepares the agenda of the Presidency Council and the General Executive Board in accordance with the instructions of the President.

It notifies the decisions of the Presidency Council and the General Executive Board to the relevant parties and undertakes official correspondence in this regard. The General Secretary may appoint sufficient Deputy Secretary-Generals with the approval of the President to carry out these responsibilities.

The General Secretary conducts the management of the staff and assets of the Headquarters within the framework of the authority granted to him by the General Executive Board. The General Secretary oversees the office administration.

It ensures keeping the archive of the Party.

 

Vice President Responsible for General Accounting and Financial Affairs, heads the accounting and financial affairs of the Headquarters, keeps the books and signs the consumables documents together with the President or the Vice President in charge.

Auditors: The General Executive Board appoint at least two auditors from among their members. Auditors are responsible to audit the accounting of the Headquarters. When the auditors request, the Vice President of General Accounting and Financial Affairs submits the ledger and accounting documents for the auditors’ examination.

The auditors are responsible and obliged to audit the central accounting, to report to the General Executive Board about the financial situation of the Party at quarterly intervals and to make necessary recommendations on financial matters.

The President may appoint a sufficient number of inspectors under the President of the Organisation to ensure Party compliance with the legislation, to control Party activities, to supervise the organisation and to conduct research and investigation on specific issues.

 

GENERAL EXECUTIVE BOARD

ARTICLE 23. The General Executive Board consists of 75 main members elected at the Grand Congress, and in addition, 30 reserve members are also elected.

Within 15 days following the election of the General Executive Board, President convenes a meeting under his/her chairmanship to select members of the Presidency Council and provides a division of duties among them.

The General Executive Board convenes with the absolute majority of the total number of its members and makes decisions with the absolute majority, except in the case of legal exceptions. Decisions are taken by signifying vote unless otherwise stated in the Law for Political Parties. In case of equality of votes, the vote the Party President sides with is accepted. The Board may decide to apply the secret ballot vote on a matter.

In order to benefit from their experiences and recommendations, the President may invite provincial directors, organisation directors and experts to the attend in General Executive Board meetings.

If a member of the General Executive Board does not attend the General Executive Board meeting three times in a year without a legitimate excuse, the membership to the Board is terminated. If a post is vacated for whatever reason, the General Executive Board appoints a reserve member as listed.

The General Executive Board is responsible for implementing the Party Charter and Program. It gives importance to Party in-service training activities in order to increase the efficiency of the organisations.

All the organisational levels and organs of the party are affiliated to the General Executive Board in order of rank.

The General Executive Board uses the roles and authorities of all levels and organs of the organisation, if required, or assigns those it so deems appropriate to use this authority.

 

1. Establishes Provincial and District Organisations and ensures the establishment of Town organisations
2. Manages and provides guidance to the Party organisation
3. Evaluates the needs and requests of the organisation. To this end, it convenes provincial directors and provincial inspectors every month. Evaluates the events occurring throughout the State. It closely follows the developments.
4. In cases where the Grand Assembly cannot be convened due to necessary reasons, it takes all decisions including the termination of the Party’s natural and legal existence, and the amendment of the Charter and Program. As soon as possible, it convenes the Grand Assembly and presents these decisions during the Grand Assembly.
5. The General Executive Board appoints inspectors to check whether the Party organisation is working in accordance with legislation and the Party Charter and Program. It can authorise these inspectors with its own authority.
6. Makes the necessary decisions about the elections. If it deems necessary, it may renew its delegate elections with the provincial and district executive boards jointly or separately.

It uses the authority provided by the Charter about candidate for nomination for members of parliament, mayors, city council membership and provincial council membership.

7. It takes decisions to form a government, to join or withdraw from a government.
8. Under the framework of electoral laws, it takes decisions to cooperate with political parties and make and end alliances for elections.
9. Takes the decision to nominate the Party’s candidate for the post of the President of the Republic of Turkey.
10. It takes decisions to implement the program and charter of the Party, to establish consultation and research groups, and to ensure order and control of these activities. It issues regulations.
11. Establishes the organisations it deems necessary to promote the principles of the Party. It makes use of PR companies established for this purpose. It ensures organisations have access to Party work and services to. It informs the organisation and keeps them active.
12. Follows the change of political conditions closely; takes precautionary measures and implements them according to the new conditions.
13. It prepares the activity report, income-expense tables, balance sheet and final account reports to be submitted to the Grand Assembly. It presents other topics on the agenda to the Grand Assembly.
14. Implements the decisions of the Grand Assembly.
15. The General Executive Board revises the number of provincial and district executive board members when necessary.
16. Makes legislative attempts to meet the expenses of the Party. It prints the receipts and sends them to the provinces.
17. It can equip the lower level organs with some of its own authorities within the legal framework.
18. Resolves requests from other Parties to join the Party.
19. It is authorised to forgive disciplinary penalties.
20. The General Executive Board uses all the powers granted by the laws and the Charter.

 

WOMEN’S BRANCH OF THE HEADQUARTERS

ARTICLE 24. The Women’s Branch of the Headquarters consists of 50 people to be determined by the General Executive Board. This number can be increased or decreased with the decision of the General Executive Board.

Within 7 days following the establishment of the Women’s Branch, it shall convene under the chairmanship of the President or the Director of Organisations to determine the Head of the Women’s Branch of the Headquarters and the Members of the Presidency Council and allocate their roles and responsibilities.

The Women’s Branches work as affiliated to the Director of Organisations and the General Executive Board.

The working principles of the Women’s Branch of the Headquarters are determined by the General Executive Board. If deemed necessary, the Women’s Branch of the Headquarters shall be re-established.

 

YOUTH BRANCH OF THE HEADQUARTERS

ARTICLE 25. The Youth Branch of the Headquarters consists of 50 people to be determined by the General Executive Board. This number can be increased or decreased.

Within 7 days following the establishment of the Youth Branch, it shall convene under the chairmanship of the President or the Director of Organisations to determine the Head of the Youth Branch of the Headquarters and the Members of the Presidency Council and allocate their roles and responsibilities.

The Youth Branches work as affiliated to the Director of Organisations and the General Executive Board.

The working principles of the Youth Branch of the Headquarters are determined by the General Executive Board. If deemed necessary, the Youth Branch of the Headquarters shall be re-established.

 

HIGH ADVISORY COUNCIL

ARTICLE 26. It consists of individuals who have served in the state administration and political activities, recommended by the President according to the need and identified by the General Executive Board. Those who have served as Party President in the past are natural members of this board, if party their membership continues.

It is the main task of the High Advisory Board to contribute to the work of the President and the General Executive Board in the party activities, to provide advisory as recommendations and to contribute to the development of good relations aimed at strengthening the unity and solidarity of the party members in accordance with the party’s purpose of establishment and political traditions and objectives.

The High Advisory Board selects a chairman from within their Board. The High Advisory Board is invited to the meeting by the Chairman and the President, if necessary.

 

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, POLITICAL BOARDS, ADVISORY BOARDS AND PARTY INSPECTORS

ARTICLE 27.

1. Coordination Unit for Persons with Disabilities: With the decision of the General Executive Board, a Coordination Unit for Persons with Disabilities can be established within the Headquarters. The Coordination Unit for Persons with Disabilities comprises of 7 people, including the President. This number can be revised by the General Executive Board. This unit carries out activities to undertake all kinds of issues faced by the disabled, to deliver reports prepared in accordance with the Party program to the relevant parties and to share them with the public, and to ensure that persons with disabilities take an active role in Party activities.

The Provincial and District Executive Boards may establish a Coordination Unit for Persons with Disabilities at the provincial and district level. The Provincial Coordination Unit for Persons with Disabilities shall comprise of 5 people. The District Coordination Unit for Persons with Disabilities shall comprise of 3 people. These numbers can be revised by the Provincial and District Executive Boards.

1. Political Boards: A sufficient number of boards are established to follow the developments in Turkey and the world, to formulate opinions by making analyses and to prepare for the policies to be implemented by our Party. The structure and working methods of the Political Boards are determined by regulations.
2. Advisory Board: The General Executive Board establishes an advisory council to serve as an advisory service if it deems it appropriate. The working methods of the structure of the Advisory Board are determined by a regulation.
3. Party Inspectors: Carries out the duties given by the General Executive Board. Working principles of Party inspectors are determined by a regulation.

 

SECTION FOUR

PARLIAMENTARY GROUPS

 

GROUP FOR THE GRAND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF TURKEY

ARTICLE 28. The internal group regulation, which includes the establishment of a group for the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and the elections of the Group Deputy Directors, the Group Executive Board, the Group Disciplinary Board and the responsibilities of the Group Members, is prepared and accepted by the Group General Assembly in accordance with the principles in Article 23 of the Law for Political Parties.

Provisions contrary to the Party’s Charter and Program cannot be included in the internal regulation of the Group.

Members of the General Executive Board cannot take part in any of the Party’s Grand National Assembly of Turkey group organs. In case of being elected as a Group Member or Group Deputy Director, their membership in the General Executive Board will be terminated.

 

GROUPS FOR THE PROVINCIAL GENERAL COUNCIL AND MUNICIPAL COUNCILS

ARTICLE 29. The Provincial General Council and the Municipal Councils are composed of Party council members. Group members elect a Chairman, a Deputy Chairman and a Secretary from among themselves. The Provincial General Council and the Municipal Council act within the framework of the Party Charter and Program. They decide on the policies they will pursue in the scope of their responsibilities and the issues they require to undertake following a discussion.

 

SECTION FIVE

REPRESENTATIONS

 

1. NATIONAL REPRESENTATIONS

ARTICLE 30.

1. Village and Neighbourhood Representations: Village and Neighbourhood Representations comprise of one representative and one deputy representative. They are selected by the Town, District and Provincial Organisations for the towns. The number of representatives may increase depending on the size of the villages and neighbourhoods.
2. Ballot Region Representations: These comprise of five persons, including the supervising observer and four observers. There are identified by the organisation management.

Responsibilities and working principles of all representations are identified by the General Executive Board.

 

2. REPRESENTATIONS ABROAD

ARTICLE 31. Representation in foreign countries shall be established in accordance with the legislation of the country in question and the approval of the General Executive Board in Nicosia of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Washington and New York of the United States, Berlin, Cologne and Munich of Germany, Brussels of Belgium, Paris and Strasburg of France, Helsinki of Finland, Copenhagen of Denmark, Amsterdam and Rotterdam of The Netherlands, Stockholm of Sweden, London of England, Oslo of Norway, Vienna of Austria, Zurich of Switzerland, Sofia of Bulgaria, Islamabad of Pakistan, Cairo of Egypt, Tehran of Iran, Jakarta of Indonesia, Abuja of Nigeria, Dhaka of Bangladesh, Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia, Sarajevo of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Baku of Azerbaijan, Astana of Kazakhstan, Bishkek of Kyrgyzstan, Ashgabat of Turkmenistan, Tokyo of Japan, Moscow of Russia, Beijing of China and Sydney and Melbourne of Australia. The decision of the Presidential Board and the approval of the General Executive Board shall be sought to establish representative offices in cities otherwise mentioned above and/or in other countries.

Representations abroad has work as affiliates under the Director of Organisations and the General Executive Board. Undertaking of procedures and principles are determined by regulations.

 

SECTION SIX

PROVINCIAL ORGANISATIONS

 

THE PROVINCIAL ORGANISATION

ARTICLE 32. The provincial organisation of the Party comprises of the Provincial Assembly, Provincial Director, Provincial Executive Board, Provincial Women’s Branch, Provincial Youth Branch and the Provincial Disciplinary Board.

 

PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE BOARD

ARTICLE 33. (According to Clause 15 of Article 23 of the Charter, text changed by Decision No. 125 of the General Executive Board on 05.01.2020.) The number of members of the Provincial Executive Boards shall be comprised of 15 main and 15 reserve members and 20 main and 20 reserve members in metropolitan cities, including the Chairman. In metropolitan cities with an electoral population over 2 million, The Provincial Executive Board will have 30 main and 30 reserve members, including the Chairman. The Executive Boards of the provinces can be revised in accordance with a decision of the General Executive Board. The distribution of responsibilities in provincial executive boards will be in accordance with the lines of responsibility prepared by the General Executive Board.

 

PROVINCIAL WOMEN’S BRANCH

ARTICLE 34. (According to Clause 15 of Article 23 of the Charter, text changed by Decision No. 125 of the General Executive Board on 05.01.2020.) The number of members of the Provincial Women’s Branch shall be comprised of 15 members, including the Chairman identified by the Provincial Executive Board and with the approval of the Directorate of the Organisations of the Headquarters. In metropolitan cities the number of members shall be 20, including the Chairman. In metropolitan cities with an electoral population over 2 million, the Provincial Executive Board will have 30 main members, including the Chairman. The Provincial Women’s Branch can be dissolved and re-established by the decision and approval of the Party President or General Executive Board and the Women’s Branch of the Headquarters. The distribution of responsibilities in Provincial Women’s Branches will be in accordance with the lines of responsibility prepared by the Women’s Branch of the Headquarters.

 

PROVINCIAL YOUTH BRANCH

ARTICLE 35. (According to Clause 15 of Article 23 of the Charter, text changed by Decision No. 125 of the General Executive Board on 05.01.2020.) The number of members of the Provincial Youth Branch shall be comprised of 15 members, including the Chairman identified by the Provincial Executive Board and with the approval of the Directorate of the Organisations of the Headquarters and the Youth Branch of the Headquarters. In metropolitan cities the number of members shall be 20, including the Chairman. In metropolitan cities with an electoral population over 2 million, the Provincial Executive Board will have 30 main members, including the Chairman. The Provincial Youth Branch can be dissolved and re-established by the decision and approval of the Party President or General Executive Board and the Youth Branch of the Headquarters. The distribution of responsibilities in Provincial Youth Branches will be in accordance with the lines of responsibility prepared by the Youth Branch of the Headquarters.

 

THE DISTRICT ORGANISATION

ARTICLE 36. The district organisation of the Party comprises of the District Assembly, District Director and the District Executive Board, District Women’s Branch, District Youth Branch and Town Executive Board.

 

DISTRICT EXECUTIVE BOARD AND TOWN ORGANISATIONS

ARTICLE 37. (According to Clause 15 of Article 23 of the Charter, text changed by Decision No. 125 of the General Executive Board on 05.01.2020.) In districts which have an electoral roll of under 10,000, the number of members of the District Executive Board comprise of 5 main and 5 reserve members, in districts with an electoral roll of between 10,001-20,000 to have 7 main and 7 reserve members. In those districts with an electoral roll of between 20,001-50,000 they shall have 11 main and 11 reserve members and in districts with over 50,000 they shall have 15 main and 15 reserve members. In districts with an electoral roll of over 100,000, a request is to be made by the Provincial Organisation to the Headquarters to approve the possibility of 20 main and 20 reserve members. The number of members can be revised in districts when necessary with the decision of the General Executive Board. The distribution of responsibilities in District Executive Boards will be in accordance with the lines of responsibility prepared by the Directorate of the Organisations of the Headquarters.

 

DISTRICT WOMEN’S BRANCHES

ARTICLE 38. (According to Clause 15 of Article 23 of the Charter, text changed by Decision No. 125 of the General Executive Board on 05.01.2020.) In districts which have an electoral roll of under 10,000 as approved by the District Executive Boards, the number of members of the District Women’s Branch shall comprise of 5 main and 5 reserve members (including the chairman) and in districts with an electoral roll of between 10,001-20,000 to have 7 main and 7 reserve members. In those districts with an electoral roll of between 20,001-50,000 they shall have 11 main and 11 reserve members (including the chairman) and in districts with over 50,000 they shall have 15 main and 15 reserve members (including the chairman). In districts with an electoral roll of over 100,000, a request is to be made by the Provincial Organisation to the Headquarters to approve the possibility of 20 main and 20 reserve members. The District Women’s Branch can be dissolved and re-established by the decision and approval of the Party President or Provincial Executive Board and the Provincial Women’s Branch. The distribution of responsibilities in District Women’s Branch will be in accordance with the lines of responsibility prepared by the Women’s Branch of the Headquarters.

 

DISTRICT YOUTH BRANCHES

ARTICLE 39. (According to Clause 15 of Article 23 of the Charter, text changed by Decision No. 125 of the General Executive Board on 05.01.2020.) In districts which have an electoral roll of under 10,000 as approved by the District Executive Boards, the number of members of the District Youth Branch shall comprise of 5 main and 5 reserve members (including the chairman) and in districts with an electoral roll of between 10,001-20,000 to have 7 main and 7 reserve members with the approval of the Provincial Executive Board and the Provincial Youth Branch. In those districts with an electoral roll of between 20,001-50,000 they shall have 11 main and 11 reserve members (including the chairman) and in districts with over 50,000 they shall have 15 main and 15 reserve members (including the chairman). In districts with an electoral roll of over 100,000, a request is to be made by the Provincial Organisation to the Headquarters to approve the possibility of 20 main and 20 reserve members. The District Youth Branch can be dissolved and re-established by the decision and approval of the Party President or Provincial Executive Board and the Provincial Youth Branch. The distribution of responsibilities in District Youth Branch will be in accordance with the lines of responsibility prepared by the Youth Branch of the Headquarters.

 

TOWN ORGANISATION

ARTICLE 40. Established in locations with municipal organisations other than provincial and district centres. The Town Executive Board, which consists of three members, is appointed with the decision of the District Executive Board and performs the duties to be assigned by the District Organisation according to a task division. District Executive Board may increase the number of members of the Town Executive Board according to the need. Dismissal of the Town Executive Board is by proposal of the District Executive Board and approval of the Provincial Executive Board.

 

TOWN’S WOMEN AND YOUTH BRANCHES

ARTICLE 41. Town Women and Youth Branches established in locations with municipal organisations other than provincial and district centres. These Branches shall consist of at least three members and the number of members may increase by decision of the District Executive Board according to the need and shall carry out the roles given by the District Organisation.

 

DELEGATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND VACANCIES OF OFFICE

ARTICLE 42. Provincial and District Directors are elected for a maximum of three years.

Provincial and District Executive Boards shall convene within one week after their election and distribute their duties in accordance with the number of members of the Board, based on the division of responsibility foreseen for the Board as outlined in Article 22 of the Charter.

In the event that the posts of the Provincial and District Directors are vacated for any reason, the Headquarters shall appoint a director by obtaining the opinion of the Provincial or District Executive Boards to serve until the Assembly. In the period until the new director is appointed, the duty of Board is carried out by the deputy in order defined by the Charter.

If a member of the General Executive Board does not attend the General Executive Board meeting three times without excuse, they will be deemed as having resigned from the post and a reserve member in order of the list is the replacement.

If the number of members of the Executive Boards falls below the quorum (that is, less than half of the number of the total number of members) despite having invited reserve members in the Provincial, District and Town Organisations due to vacation of the posts, the administration becomes legally annulled. In this case, a higher level organisational management receives the approval of the Headquarters and determines a new board to serve until the Ordinary Assembly is convened.

In the first establishment, it may be established with at least seven main and seven reserve members, including the Chairman of the Provincial Executive Board, and with five main and five reserve members, including the chairman of the District Executive Board. The District Organisation established in this way shall carried out the work by assigning more than one task to the Members of the Executive Board.

 

WITHDRAWING AUTHORITIES OF EXECUTIVE BOARDS

ARTICLE 43. The decision to withdraw authorities from the Provincial Executive Board is taken by the General Executive Board upon the proposal of the President or the Director of Organisations. The decision to withdraw authorities from the District Executive Board is taken by the Provincial Executive Board with the agreeing opinion of the President or the General Executive Board. In the case where the General Executive Board provides authority, the Presidency Council may withdraw responsibilities of the provincial and district organisations. In cases where there may be a question of delay, the Presidency Council may inform the Directorate of Organisation to exercise the same authority. In cases of urgency, the President may temporarily dismiss the Provincial or District Directors.

In cases where they do not comply with the instructions given by the high boards in order to fulfil the roles and responsibilities specified in the Party Charter, if they act in violation of the principles and objectives and policies accepted by the Party, and insist on actions that disrupt the unity and harmony of the organisations, responsibilities of town organisations shall be withdrawn by the Provincial Executive Board and the District Executive Board by the Provincial Executive Board after receiving the no-objection of Headquarters, and the Provincial Executive Boards by the General Executive Board. If the General Executive Board authorises, Directorate of Organisation can implement the decision for withdrawing responsibility for the Provincial Organisation with the knowledge of the Presidency Council and its members.

In order for responsibilities of the Town Administration to be withdraw, when the District Executive Board finds any situation that necessitates to withdraw responsibility from the Town Executive Board, it informs the Provincial Executive Board with its justification and decision. It may request that all or some of the members of the Executive Board, including the Chairman or the Chairperson, be withdrawn from the post.

In order for responsibilities of the District Administration to be withdraw, when the Provincial Executive Board finds any situation that necessitates to withdraw responsibility from the District Executive Board, it informs the General Executive Board with its justification and decision. Within its justified decision, it may request that all or some of the members of the District Executive Board, including the Chairman or the Chairperson, be withdrawn from the post.

Inspectors responsible for inspection and assessment in Party organisations can also make such requests. Upon this request, the Provincial Executive Board conducts the necessary review of the District and the Presidency Council conducts he necessary review of the Provincial Executive Board and as a result may lead to all or some of the Executive Board members, including the chairmen, to be withdrawn from their posts.

The General Executive Board may dismiss all or part of the Provincial and District Executive Board Members, including the Provincial or District Director or all members of the Provincial and District Executive Boards, directly or upon the necessity found by the Party inspector.

In case some members are withdrawn from their posts in the provincial, district or town organisations, Substitute members are brought into these posts.

In cases where District and Provincial Executive Boards have been withdrawn from their posts,  Headquarters documents its authorisation and assigns Founding Member Boards to temporarily conduct the work of the District and Provincial Executive Boards. These boards must hold their Assemblies within their legal deadline periods. In this period, if District Assemblies are held and new delegates are not selected and the Provincial Assembly is held but new delegates are not selected, they convene with past delegates. The duties of the temporary boards, which do not conduct their assemblies within the deadline shall end.

In case of Town organisations that have had their responsibilities withdrawn, the District Executive Boards re-establish the organisation in accordance with the principles set out in Article 40 of the Charter.

CHAPTER FOUR

SECTION ONE

 

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

ARTICLE 44. In order to conduct disciplinary inquiries and make decisions about those who act against the Law for Political Parties, the Party Charter and the decisions and instructions of the Party’s authorised organs, the provincial level applies to the Provincial Disciplinary Boards and the central level applies to the High Disciplinary Board.

 

PROVINCIAL DISCIPLINARY BOARD

ARTICLE 45. Five main and 5 reserve members are selected as the Provincial Disciplinary Board in the Provincial Assembly.

The Disciplinary Board meets within a week at the latest after the Assembly and elects a chairman and a secretary.

The Provincial Disciplinary Board is authorised to conduct a first-level disciplinary investigation and take decisions on all the members registered in the province under their responsibility, except for undertaking the work of the High Disciplinary Board is responsible for in the first degree.

The Provincial Disciplinary Board cannot conduct a disciplinary investigation on their own accord. However, it resolves the files and issues that are transferred by the reasoned proposal of the District Executive Boards and by the Provincial Executive Boards or by the direct submission of the Provincial Executive Board Chairman.

The Provincial Disciplinary Board takes the written defence statement of the individual in question by stating the penalty required by the State. The individual must provide his defence statement in writing within 15 days from the date of notification, but within 7 days if the offence was committed during elections or publicly or was broadcast.

Defence not provided within this period is not taken into consideration.

The Provincial Executive Board or the related member may appeal to the High Discipline Board within 7 days of notification of the decision of the Provincial Disciplinary Board. Applications for appeal of members are submitted to the Provincial Executive Board. The Provincial Executive Board shall submit the file to the High Disciplinary Board by including its own opinion.

If the decision is appealed by the Provincial Executive Board, a copy of the objection letter is notified to the concerned person within 7 days. Provincial Executive Board must send the files subject to the appeal to the High Disciplinary Board within 15 days at the latest.

The permanent expulsion penalties imposed by the Provincial Disciplinary Board are sent to the High Disciplinary Board for review and final decision, even if the concerned has not objected.

 

HIGH DISCIPLINARY BOARD

ARTICLE 46. The High Disciplinary Board consists of 11 persons elected at the Grand Assembly. The same number of reserve members are selected.  Within fifteen days following the Assembly election, they gather under the chairmanship of the oldest member and elect a chairman, a vice chairman and a secretary among themselves. The secretary acts as a clerk for the board. The clerk notifies the decisions to the relevant places, in writing.

 

1. First Priority Responsibilities of the High Disciplinary Board

 

High Disciplinary Board:

1. Provincial Chairman and Executive Board Members, Party Mayors in Provinces, Districts and Towns
2. Founding Members of the Party
3. Party President, Members of the General Executive Board
4. The chairmen and members of the High Disciplinary Board,
5. The former members of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and members of the former government conduct the necessary disciplinary investigation and conclude with a decision, without prejudice to Article 57 of the Law for Political Parties.

The chairman and members of the High Disciplinary Board cannot participate in investigations, discussion and decisions about themselves. In this case, reserve members are called in for those processes only.

The authority for referral to the High Disciplinary Board for Chairmen and Members of the Provincial Executive Boards and Mayors in the Provincial, District and Towns belongs to the Provincial Executive Boards and the authority for referral of the Party President, Members of the General Executive Board, the Founding Members of the Party, and the former members of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and former government members belongs to the General Executive Board.  

The President may also use his direct referral power to the High Disciplinary Board, if he/she deems it necessary.

 

1. Responsibilities of the High Disciplinary Board in regard to appeals

 

The High Disciplinary Board, as the highest authority of the Provincial Disciplinary Board, resolves the objections against the decisions of the Provincial Disciplinary Board, without prejudice to Article 57 of the Law for Political Parties.

The High Disciplinary Board cannot conduct an investigation of its own accord. However, it decides the files and issues that are transferred to it by the boards that have the authority to refer.

 

JOINT DISCIPLINARY BOARD

ARTICLE 47. The Joint Disciplinary Board consists of the High Disciplinary Board and the Group Disciplinary Board. The Chairman of the High Disciplinary Board is also the chairmen of the Joint Disciplinary Board. The Secretary of the High Disciplinary Board is also the secretary of this board.  

Any objections made by the members of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey against the Group Disciplinary Board decisions is decided by the Joint Disciplinary Board.

The Joint Disciplinary Board is authorised to conduct disciplinary investigation and make decisions regarding their speech, attitudes and behaviour that require the expulsion of a Party member from the party temporarily or permanently. The decisions of the Joint Disciplinary Board are final, without prejudice to Article 57 of the Law for Political Parties. The Parliamentary Executive Board of the Party is entitled to request disciplinary action for Party Members of Parliament. This authority may also be exercised by the President, Group Chairmen and Group Vice Presidents.

In cases where there is no Joint Disciplinary Board, the High Disciplinary Board is authorised.

 

JOINT PROVISIONS REGARDING DISCIPLINARY BOARDS

ARTICLE 48. The term of the Disciplinary Boards ends with the election of the new Disciplinary Board. In the event of the vacating of a member post in the disciplinary boards over time, the reserves are called in by order of those receiving the highest votes. Members of the Board who do not participate in the work of the Disciplinary Boards three times in a row without any excuse are deemed to have resigned and substitutes are called in as their replacement.

Disciplinary Board Members of the Party cannot take part in any Party organ or board except for Grand National Assembly for Turkey membership, Provincial General Executive Boards and Municipal Council Memberships. They cannot be linked to the Party with a financial service and cannot generate income from the Party in any way whatsoever. Disciplinary Boards convene with two-thirds majority of the total number of members. Decisions are taken with the majority of the available members. However, in final decision-making for permanent expulsion, it decides with the absolute majority of the total number of members.

The Disciplinary Boards bring decisions to files submitted to them within a period of thirty days and notify of the decisions to the concerned within thirty days at the latest.

Disciplinary Boards have discretion in evaluating the claims, defence statement and evidence while deciding on the matters carried to them.

The Disciplinary Boards keep a decision record book to file their decisions. There is no need to certify this book. Statements and other documents are kept in a file by the Disciplinary Boards.

No discussions or decisions can be made about disciplinary penalties imposed by the Disciplinary Boards at any level and Assembly of the Party.

 

DECISION FOR INJUNCTION

ARTICLE 49. If necessary, a decision for injunction is taken for the member who is referred to the Disciplinary Board with an offence that requires a permanent or temporary removal from the party. The bodies authorised to make this decision are Disciplinary Boards.

Any member for whom this decision is taken is dismissed from his duty at the Party without any other decision necessary and is deprived of his/her membership rights. The member in question may request the abolition of the injunction decision from the Disciplinary Board to which he is referred. This request is decided within 7 days by the Disciplinary Board. An objection to this decision can be made to the High Disciplinary Board within one week. The decision of the High Disciplinary Board is final.

 

SECTION TWO

 

ACTS REQUIRING DISCIPLINARY ACTION AND PENALTIES

ARTICLE 50.

1. Warning (Disapproval)
2. Reprimand (Reproach)
3. Temporary Expulsion
4. Permanent Expulsion

 

1. Acts requiring warnings
   1. Making statements and publishing without the knowledge and permission of the authorised organs of the Party, even if it is not against the purpose and essence of the Party,
   2. To display behaviour or attitudes that risk the harmony and cooperation of levels of the Party,
   3. Failure to conduct duties given by authorised organs, neglect,
   4. Failure to fulfil the conditions in Article 8 of the Charter.

 

1. Acts requiring reprimand

1. Displaying attitudes and behaviours that will harm unity and solidarity within the Party,
2. Not paying the Party fees, delays in payments,
3. Leaking discussions held during the closed meetings where internal Party work is carried out,
4. Failure to conduct duties given by authorised organs,
5. Failure to vote in elections without a justified excuse.
6. 
   Acts requiring temporary expulsion
7. Sharing decisions and discussions made in Party organs with the press and on television,
8. Making contact with Parties without authorisation,
9. Making declarations on behalf of the Party,
10. To refrain from providing documents, which have been trusted to him/her in regard to their position, when required (legal responsibilities are reserved),
11. To use the Party for personal interests and gain, to abuse the Party’s influence
12. Speaking against the Group decisions or decisions of the General Executive Board in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey or behind closed doors, speaking against the Mayor or their actions in the Municipal Councils and provoking other members against them.

 

1. Acts requiring permanent expulsion
2. Breaking the prohibitions in the Law of Political Parties or being asked by the Public Prosecutor’s Office to be dismissed,
3. To be an independent candidate in any election without the permission of the Party, carrying out propaganda against the Party candidates, to provide financial and moral assistance to a candidate other than of the Party,
4. To declare, publish, write, encourage with non-verbal behaviour or words any issue contrary to the decisions or essence of the Grand Assembly, General Executive Board, Provincial and District Executive Board,
5. To act and encourage or to make written or verbal statements contrary to the Party’s objective or to act against the Party Charter and Programs,
6. To act against Party organs or members of these organs, to make speak against these by giving statements to newspapers and television or by participating in live broadcasts in person, to put Party officials in disaffect and disgrace, to make public verbal or written statements to these effects,
7. Cheating in elections by destroying or defacing Party documents or ballot papers, or in which ever manner to this effect.

 

1. Repeat Offences and Time Bar

If a member repeats an offence that requires the same penalty, the penalty is increased each time. When applying disciplinary penalties, the Disciplinary Boards may also give a lower penalty for the offence taking into account good intent of the individual and any behaviour which exceeded its purpose. No disciplinary investigation is made one year after learning of the act requiring disciplinary penalty or two years after the incident.

 

AUTHORITY OF PARDONING DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

ARTICLE 51. Authority for pardoning disciplinary penalties belongs to the General Executive Board. The President, Director for Party Organisation and Vice President of the Group for Grand National Assembly of Turkey refer to the request for pardoning of the member to the General Executive Board. The General Executive Board decides by two-thirds majority.

CHAPTER FIVE

ELECTION AND CANDIDACY PROCEDURES

 

SELECTION OF CANDIDATES FOR PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

ARTICLE 52. Determination of candidates among those who want to be a candidate in the Parliamentary General Elections among those whose candidacy are deemed appropriate by the General Board of Directors by the following means:

1. Prequalification election
2. Primary election
3. Decision of Headquarters.

The General Executive Board shall decides which means shall be used to determine candidates to be nominated in which election.

The prequalification is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Political Parties related to the preselection.

The elected Assembly Delegates of the provinces and districts, the chairmen and members of the Provincial Executive Boards and Disciplinary Boards, chairmen and members of the Provincial and District Executive Boards, members of parliament of that province, elected mayors and members of the Municipal and Provincial Councils may participate as voters during the candidate polling in the election regions. Candidate polling is done by election boards.

The decision of the Headquarters is made by means of identification of candidates by the General Executive Board.

In case of a decrease in number in list of candidates, they are filled by the General Executive Board.

The General Executive Board may authorise the Provincial and District Executive Boards to complete the insufficient numbers.

There is no requirement to be a Party member for candidacy. However, candidates who win in the election become Party members. Those who will be candidates for nomination in the elections must have the qualifications required by the law; the conditions for which candidates for nomination will be accepted from those candidates with such qualifications and their application procedures are determined by the General Executive Board.

No individual can participate in the prequalification election more than once for the same election. Once they have participated in the prequalification election, they cannot be a candidate for another Party. A person who has not resigned from the Party cannot be an independent candidate.

 

SELECTION OF CANDIDATES FOR LOCAL ADMINISTRATION ELECTIONS

ARTICLE 53. Participating in elections as a candidate for nomination for Provincial, District and Town Municipality, City Council and Provincial General Assembly Membership depends on the opinion of the relevant District Executive Board and the decision of the General Executive Board upon the recommendation of the Provincial Executive Board. The decision of the General Executive Board is final.

There is no requirement to be a Party member for candidacy. In candidate lists to be prepared for candidate elections, the surnames of the candidates for nomination are listed in alphabetical order.

In the local administration elections, the number of permanent and reserve members determined as candidates among the candidate for nomination to run for mayor shall be determined as one, for membership of the Municipal Council shall be as many as the member number of the Council and equally as many reserves, for the membership of the Provincial Assembly as many candidates as there are Provincial Assembly members and equally as many reserves.

Whether it is the decision of the Headquarters, candidate polling or prequalification election procedures, General Executive Board shall decide which election regions to apply and notified to the neighbourhoods and relevant authorities within the legal period. Those who want to be a candidate for nomination in the local administrations elections shall submit their resignations to the Provincial or District Executive Boards.

Except in the case where headquarters decides, identification of candidates are made under judicial management and supervision. Voters in the Local Administrations Elections, voters who will vote in the candidate polling for the District, Provincial and Metropolitan Mayor and Members of the Municipal Council and the Members of the Provincial Assembly are the voters who participate in the parliamentary candidate polling of that province.

Those who will be voting for the Municipality Mayor and Members of the Town Council candidate prequalification elections will be selected delegates of the former and current members of parliament representing the province, the Chairman and Members of the Executive Board to which the district is affiliated, the Chairman of the District Executive Board, Members and District Delegates.

 

MEMBER REGISTRATION BOOKS AND POLL LISTS TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE ELECTION BOARD

ARTICLE 54. Member registration books and electoral lists are arranged according to these books are submitted to the District Election Board Chairman at least 60 days before the preliminary election. Those who are registered as members 90 days before the preliminary election can have the right to vote. Those who are registered as members within 90 days before the election will not be able to vote. After the lists are approved by the District Election Board, they are posted in front of the Party building at 30 days before the preliminary election. According to this list, the “Party Voting Card” is distributed to each member by the District Election Board 15 days before the preliminary election. Party members can make their objections to the posted list within 15 days of posting. These objections are evaluated and decided by the District Election Board within 2 days and if the objection is accepted, the Party electoral list is revised.

 

DISTRICT ELECTION BOARD AND MEMBERSHIP OF BALLOTING BOARD

ARTICLE 55. Two main and two reserve Party members who are not candidates for nomination for that election are selected to the District Election Board by the Executive Board. If for any reason the main members cannot be present, the reserve members attend the board. Two main and two reserve members are selected for the Balloting Board on the basis of the above.

 

PROMOTION OF CANDIDATES

ARTICLE 56. The Party can prepare and distribute print materials containing a passport photograph of the candidate for nomination showing services to their country, their achievements and works in the professional and artistic careers.

 

OBSERVERS

ARTICLE 57.  During the prequalification election, there shall be an observer appointed by the Executive Board at each ballot box. The appointed observer monitors the voting operations for the Party.

Candidates for nomination cannot act as observers.

 

BALLOT PAPERS

ARTICLE 58. The District Executive Board duplicates the ballot papers on which the names of the candidates for nomination are listed and submits these to the Directors of the Provincial and District Election Boards with sufficient number of envelopes. Once the Directors of the District Election Boards stamps the envelopes, they are taken to the ballot boxes on election day.

 

THE RIGHT OF OBJECTION

ARTICLE 59. The Part Headquarters and Provincial and District Directors or their deputies and observers can object to the decisions of the Election and Ballot Boards or of the Directors of the Board which are not yet final.

 

EQUAL VOTES IN THE PREQUALIFICATION ELECTION

ARTICLE 60. In the case where there are equal votes as a result of the prequalification election, the General Executive Board decides which precedes the other.

 

CANCELLATION OF PREQUALIFICATION ELECTIONS

ARTICLE 61. In the case where the prequalification elections in the framework of an election are cancelled for whatever reason, this election is not repeated. Candidates are nominated by the General Executive Board.

CHAPTER SIX

MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES

 

PARTY BOOKKEEPING

ARTICLE 62. Party organs at all levels must keep a Member Registration Book, Decision Record Book, Incoming and Outgoing Documents Registry, Ledger of Revenues and Expenditures and Assets Registry. Member Registration Books are kept by District Executive Boards only on a district and village basis.

The Decision Record Book contains the decisions of the relevant organ with the date and sequence number pertaining to the decision. Decisions are signed by the voters.

The summary of the minutes with the decisions of the Assembly is signed by the presiding council. They are recorded in the Incoming and Outgoing Documents Registry with date and sequence number. The copy of the incoming and outgoing documents is kept with this date and number.

Documents indicating whether income is received and expenses are made are recorded in Ledger of Revenues and Expenditures, respectively.

The pages of all the Books/Registries and how many pages they have are sealed and certified by the head of the relevant election board at the location of the organisation.

A copy of the membership declarations showing the Party admission procedures are classified in alphabetical order at the provincial and district level and archived.

 

BUDGET

ARTICLE 63. Provincial organisations prepare an annual budget showing the income estimates and expenditure amounts, including the affiliated districts, and sends them to the Party Headquarters until the end of October before the relevant calendar year. The Headquarters budget and provincial budgets to be prepared by the end of December before the relevant calendar year at the latest within this period and are examined and decided by the General Executive Board.

 

FINAL ACCOUNTS

ARTICLE 64. The Headquarters and the provincial organisations (including its affiliated districts), prepares final accounts showing the results of the previous year until the end of April following the end of the fiscal year.

The final accounts belonging to the Headquarters and submitted by the provinces are examined by the General Executive Board, which finalise and combine the account statements. An approved copy of the combined final accounts are submitted to the Constitutional Court by the President until the end of June and to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for information.

 

PREPARATION OF REGULATIONS

ARTICLE 65. In cases where changes are deemed necessary as a result of regulations issued in accordance with legislation, revisions to the Charter will be prepared and executed by the General Executive Board.

 

CASES WHERE PROVISIONS ARE NOT CLEAR IN THE CHARTER

ARTICLE 66. In cases where the provisions in the Charter are not clear, the Law on Political Parties and related other legislation will be enforced.

 

ARTICLE 67. Provisions of this Charter are administered by the General Executive Board and the President.

 

Notification:

• Articles 9, 21, 22, 23, 27 and 37 were changed as a result of revisions made in the Ordinary Assembly held on 30.10.2016 during the 7th Ordinary Grand Assembly which was held on 03.11.2019.

 

Decision of the General Executive Board

Decision Date: 05.01.2020

Decision No: 125

 

On 05.01.2020, the General Executive Board convened under the chairmanship of the Party President Temel KARAMOLLAOĞLU. Decisions taken were as follows:

 

The number of members of the Executive Boards shall be comprised of 15 main and 15 reserve members in provinces, 20 main and 20 reserve members in metropolitan cities and 30 main and 30 reserve members in metropolitan cities with a population over 2 million.

 

In districts which have an electoral roll of under 10,000 the number of members can be 5 main and 5 reserve members, in districts with an electoral roll of between 10,001-20,000 to have 7 main and 7 reserve members, in those with an electoral roll of between 20,001-50,000 to have 11 main and 11 reserve members and in districts with over 50,000 to have 15 main and 15 reserve members and in districts with an electoral roll of over 100,000, a request is to be made to the Headquarters to approve 20 main and 20 reserve members.

 

Towns shall have 3 main and 3 reserve Executive Board members.