SPLM-IO Constitution 2015

PREAMBLE

We, the Delegates to the National Leadership Conference of the Sudan Peoples' Liberation Movement (SPLM); Grateful to Almighty God for giving the people the wisdom and courage to endure and overcome centuries of colonialism and long tragic and protracted conflicts including civil wars; Indebted and obligated to guide the people to protect their hard won freedom, unity in diversity and dignified peace; Recalling the heroic struggle of generations of our people for freedom and dignity against a backdrop of long history of conflicts, injustices, dictatorships, poverty, violation of human rights and constitutional instability that was the hallmark of South Sudan; Recognizing the historic struggle of the oppressed people against forces of repression, all forms of injustice, political sectarianism, regionalism, tribalism, ethnic chauvinism, marginalization and exploitation, religious bigotry, intolerance, harmful customs and gender discrimination against women and girl child; Remembering our painful past and inspired by the selfless sacrifices of our martyrs, heroes and heroines; Cognizant of the Arusha Agreement of 21 January 2015, which calls for institutionalization and democratization of the party, exercise of collective leadership, formulation of clear ideological direction and transformation of the Party into a vibrant democratic political force; Further inspired by the vision to build a new nation from which all political, social and economic disparities in the country are removed as enshrined in the SPLM Manifesto; Motivated by the need to lead and contribute effectively in State and Nation building; and Committed to building a better future for the people by establishing a federal democratic and developmental State with an equitable socio-economic and political order based on the principles of freedom, equality, democracy, justice, respect for human rights, progress and prosperity; Do hereby adopt the Constitution of the Sudan Peoples' Liberation Movement, 2008, amended 2015 as its fundamental law.

CHAPTER I: PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS

Article 1: Title and Commencement. This Constitution may be cited as "The Constitution of the Sudan Peoples' Liberation Movement, 2008 and amended in 2015" and shall come into force on the date of its signature by the Chairperson.

Article 2: Name and Seat of the Movement. The Sudan Peoples' Liberation Movement is a mass political organisation to be known as "The Sudan Peoples' Liberation Movement" hereinafter referred to as "Movement" and abbreviated as "SPLM". The seat of the SPLM shall be in the capital of the Country. The seat of the State, County, Payam and Boma Secretariats shall be in the capitals of the respective government administrative units. Meetings of the SPLM national organs shall be held at the SPLM national head office. Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-Article 2.4 above, a national organ may convene in any other place inside South Sudan, as shall be determined by the Leadership of the Movement.

Article 3: The Character of the Movement. The SPLM is a democratic, mass political movement; its membership is open to all the people without discrimination based on race, gender, religion, social status, origin, or ethnicity. SPLM policies can be initiated by an individual or any level of the Movement starting from Boma, Chapter, Payam, County, State and up to the National level. Any SPLM policy proposal, before presentation to the National Liberation Council, must be presented and discussed at the Boma, Payam, County and State levels. The SPLM policies shall be passed by the National Liberation Council and presented to the National Convention for final deliberations and resolution. The SPLM, in its composition and function, shall ensure inclusiveness, gender equity and devoid of tribalism and ethnic chauvinism. In pursuit for unity of purpose and functioning, the SPLM duly respects the linguistic, social, cultural and religious diversity of its members. The SPLM is committed to the advancement of women and protection of their rights. The SPLM guarantees freedom of expression, circulation of useful ideas and information sharing within the Movement.

Article 4: Definitions. In this Constitution, unless the context otherwise requires: Boma means the basic unit of the Movement larger than a cell. Cell means the smallest unit of the Movement formed of at least two members. Chairperson means the Chairperson of the SPLM. Chapter means the SPLM office abroad. Constitution means the SPLM Constitution, the fundamental law of the Movement. County means the SPLM level higher than Payam. General Secretariat means the General Secretariat of the SPLM. Movement means Sudan Peoples' Liberation Movement. National Convention means the highest organ of the Movement (NC). National Liberation Council means the SPLM National Liberation Council (NLC). Payam means the SPLM level higher than the Boma. Political Bureau means the highest executive organ of the Movement (PB). Popular Organizations include Women, Veterans, Youth and Students Leagues, and Persons with special needs. Secretary General means the Chief Executive Officer of the SPLM (SG). State means the SPLM level above the County.

CHAPTER II: GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES OF THE SPLM

Article 5: The Guiding Principles. The SPLM shall be guided by: Democracy, justice, freedom, equality, religious tolerance, social cohesion, peace, prosperity, harmony and inclusivity; Federalism and devolution of powers; Unity of the people, shared historical experiences and respect for diversity; Supremacy of the rule of Law and respect of separation of powers and roles; Human Rights and fundamental freedoms; Respect of democratic institutions and collective leadership; Accountability, transparency and good governance; Respect for diversity of South Sudanese cultural values, heritage and beliefs; Gender equality, socio-economic, cultural and political empowerment of women; Safeguard the rights of the child, youth, widows, orphans, people with disabilities, wounded heroes and heroines, and war veterans; Protection of environment and sustainable development of natural resources; Create conducive environment for participation of persons with special needs in all aspects of life; Self-reliance and economic self-sufficiency and balanced urban-rural development; and Pursue Foreign policy and International relations based on national interests, respect among nations and preservation of regional and global peace and stability.

Article 6: Aims and Objectives. The principal aims and objectives of the SPLM shall be to: Build a Country based on a just, democratic, secular system of governance and popular participation; Create national consciousness and common purpose; Promote the general wellbeing of the people; Eradicate poverty and strive to attain Sustainable Development; Advance the cause of national liberation and freedom for all marginalized people; Plan, promote and direct economic and social development for the benefit of all; Uphold, protect and promote rights of the child, persons with special needs, the elderly and woman; Defend and advance the democratic values in the Country; Ensure that governments at all levels are representative and freely elected by the people through universal suffrage; Promote and encourage scientific research and adopt appropriate modern technologies; Ensure implementation of the principle of Federalism and devolution of powers; Promote democratic principles and practices, and social cohesion; Uphold the principles of supremacy of the rule of Law and separation of powers; Ensure that human rights and fundamental freedoms are promoted, respected, and protected; Enhance participatory democracy; Ensure practices of collective leadership; Ensure justice and equality for all irrespective of ethnicity, origin, religion, region, social status or gender; Enhance accountability, transparency and good governance; Encourage and promote respect for the diversity of the people; Ensure gender equality and promote socio-economic, cultural and political empowerment of women; Realise and ensure economic self-sufficiency and self-reliance for the people; Protect and preserve the environment; Protect, uphold and promote the unity of the people of the Country; Uphold and promote national, regional and global peace and security; and Develop and pursue an appropriate foreign policy to maintain regional and international cooperation.

CHAPTER III: SPLM MEMBERSHIP

Article 7: Conditions for Membership. Membership of the SPLM shall be open to all South Sudanese citizens irrespective of gender, origin, ethnicity, race, creed or social status provided that the person: believes in, subscribes to and accepts the vision, mission, values, objectives, and programs of the SPLM; abides by this Constitution, Code of Conduct and any rules and regulations; undertakes to actively participate in the execution of its decisions and programs; is at least eighteen years of age; is of sound mind; and is of good conduct and behaviour. Application for membership shall be made in writing to the appropriate office. The General Secretariat may grant provisional membership of three months to any person who wishes to join the Movement for the first time, and provisional membership of six months to any person re-joining the Movement. Upon joining the SPLM, a member shall take the following oath of allegiance: "I, ........., do hereby swear by the Almighty God / solemnly affirm that I shall abide by, respect and uphold the vision, mission, values, and objectives of the SPLM as set out in its Constitution and other basic documents; and that I shall respect the structures of the Movement and place my energies and skills at the disposal of the Movement and carry out any task that may be assigned to me and that I shall defend the unity and integrity of the Movement and its principles, so help me God."

Article 8: Rights of a Member. A member of the Movement has the right to: elect and be elected to any of the various offices and institutions of the SPLM; participate in the appropriate forums and the meetings of the organs of the Movement; freely express his or her views and exercise his or her faith; access information about the policies and activities of the Movement; be notified to attend meetings and functions of the Movement; be issued with a membership card; suggest proposals, raise questions and submit petitions to appropriate organs of the SPLM; and vote at meetings in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Movement.

Article 9: Duties and Obligations of a Member. A member of the Movement shall: uphold this Constitution and abide by the rules and regulations and code of conduct; combat racism, tribalism, political sectarianism, gender insensitivity, religious intolerance and all other forms of discrimination; respond, when called upon, to serve in national emergencies, development activities and any other national duties; pay membership and subscription fees; act in the spirit of self-sacrifice, dedication and selfless commitment to the SPLM; take appropriate action in case of abuse of office, misconduct and misuse of SPLM or public funds or assets; respect, and protect properties of the SPLM and of the public in general; abide and comply with the decisions of the majority and respect the opinion of minority; strive to disseminate and explain the vision, mission, objectives, policies and programs of the Movement to the people; maintain objectivity and constructive criticism in official and public debates; observe and keep the confidentiality of classified information; attend regular meetings as shall be called for; uphold the ideals of the SPLM Manifesto; and refrain from publication and distribution of any material or documents of the Movement without authorization.

Article 10: Loss of Membership. Membership of the Movement shall be lost if a member: resigns; is expelled by a disciplinary committee for violation of this Constitution, rules and regulations; becomes mentally incapacitated based on medical reports; joins another political party or Movement; engages in activities that undermine the objectives and policies of the Movement; or Dies.

CHAPTER IV: AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

Article 11: Rights of Women. To redress imbalances created by history, harmful customs and traditions, and for the purposes of empowerment of women, the Movement shall: accord women full and equal dignity of a person and of a citizen including in decision making at all levels of governance; accord and guarantee the right of women to participate equally with men in the Movement's structures and public life; ensure that women are accorded the right to equal pay for equal work; ensure that women representation is at least 30% at all levels of the Movement and government organs as an affirmative action when it is the ruling party; ensure that women are protected against violence, harmful customs and traditions which undermine their dignity and status; and pursue positive development of women at all levels.

Article 12: Rights of persons with special needs. All persons with special needs shall be: accorded full and equal dignity as other members of the Movement; accorded and guaranteed the right to participate equally within the Movement structures and public life; accorded the right to equal pay for equal work; fully represented at all levels of the Movement and government organs as an affirmative action; and protected against violence, harmful customs and traditions which undermine their dignity and status.

Article 13: Rights of Children and Youth. All levels of the Movement shall: adopt policies that mandate promotion of recreation facilities, music, theatre and sports for children and youth; promote policies that mandate provision and access to welfare of children and youth; and promote policies that ensure access to adequate quality pre-birth, mother and child health care, free primary education and affordable secondary, technical and tertiary education.

CHAPTER V: SPLM CAUCUSES, POPULAR AND SYNDICATED ORGANIZATIONS

Article 14: Establishment. The following Organizations shall be established in the SPLM: Parliamentary and Executive Caucuses; Popular Organizations; and Syndicated Organizations. Caucuses, Popular and Syndicated Organizations shall function as autonomous bodies within the overall structure of the SPLM, with their own constitutions, rules and regulations, provided that they are not in conflict with the SPLM Constitution and policies. Popular Organizations shall comprise: Women League, Youth League, Veterans League, and Students League. The age limit for eligibility in the Youth League shall be age 18 to 35. Syndicated Organizations shall comprise but not limited to organized groups of: individuals, workers, professionals, farmers, traders, persons with special needs.

CHAPTER VI: ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURES

Article 15: SPLM Structures. The organizational structures of the SPLM shall be as follows: National Organs (National Convention; National Liberation Council; Political Bureau; and General Secretariat); State Organs (State Congress; State Liberation Council; and State Secretariat); County Organs (County Congress; County Liberation Council; and County Secretariat); Payam Organs (Payam Congress; Payam Liberation Council; and Payam Secretariat); Boma Organs (Boma Congress; Boma Liberation Council; and Boma Secretariat); Chapters; and Cells.

CHAPTER VII: THE NATIONAL CONVENTION

Article 16: Establishment and Composition. The National Convention is the supreme political organ of the Movement, and shall be composed of no more than 3,260 delegates. Delegates from State Congresses shall not exceed 80%, out of which 30% shall be Women, 10% shall be Youth, 3% shall be Students, 3% shall be Veterans, 3% Syndicated Organizations and 1% Persons with special needs. The quorum for convening the National Convention shall be two thirds (2/3) of its membership. Resolutions of the National Convention shall be passed by a simple majority of the members present and voting. The National Convention shall convene once every four years on Tuesday of the first week of March. Voting in the National Convention shall be by secret ballot.

Article 17: Functions and Powers of the National Convention. The functions and Powers of the National Convention shall be as follows: elect the Chairperson of the NC; adopt and form the National Convention Electoral Committee; adopt the Constitution and the Manifesto; approve policies and programs of the Movement; receive and discuss the reports of the National Liberation Council; review, ratify, alter or rescind any decision made by the National Liberation Council; and elect the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and members of the National Liberation Council. The Chairperson or the Deputy Chairperson may be removed by the National Convention in an extraordinary session convened on the request of at least one third (1/3) of members of the NLC for violation of this Constitution or gross misconduct provided that the resolution for the removal shall be carried by two third (2/3) majority of all members of the NC.

CHAPTER VIII: THE NATIONAL LIBERATION COUNCIL

Article 18: Establishment and Composition. There shall be established in the SPLM an organ to be known as "The National Liberation Council" (NLC). The NLC shall comprise of not more than 326 members as follows: Women (30%), Youth (10%), Veterans (2%), Students (2%), Syndicated Organizations (2%) and Persons with special needs (2%). SPLM State Chairpersons shall be members of the NC and NLC from their respective State lists by virtue of their positions.

Article 19: Functions and Duties of the NLC. The National Liberation Council shall: lead the SPLM between sessions of the National Convention; oversee the implementation of the policies and resolutions of the National Convention; oversee the work of the Political Bureau; approve the annual budget of the SPLM as proposed by the PB; be an appellate authority on the loss of membership of the SPLM; elect 22 members of PB from its membership; elect the Secretary General from amongst its members; report to the National Convention; establish Standing and/or Ad hoc Committees; adopt Code of Conduct and Regulations; and remove the Secretary General in an extraordinary session convened on the written request by at least one-third of the NLC provided that the resolution for removal shall be passed by two-thirds (2/3) majority.

Article 20: Meetings of the NLC. The National Liberation Council shall be convened three times in a year in regular sessions and may be convened in extraordinary sessions whenever deemed necessary by the Chairperson, PB or on the written request by at least one third (1/3) of its members. The quorum for the meetings of the NLC shall be two thirds (2/3) majority of its membership. Resolutions of the NLC shall be passed by a simple majority of the members present and voting. Voting in the NLC shall be by secret ballot.

CHAPTER IX: NLC STANDING COMMITTEES

Article 21: Establishment of NLC Standing Committees. There shall be established at the Federal level SPLM National NLC Committees including: The Political Bureau (PB); Committee for Peace, Reconciliation and Healing; Committee for Foreign Relations; Committee for Constitutional Affairs, Justice and Human Rights; Committee for Security and Defense; Committee for Economic Affairs, Commerce and Industry; Committee for Agriculture and Natural Resources; Committee for Land, Housing and Environment; Committee for Transport Systems; Committee for Education, Science and Technology; Committee for Health; Committee for Culture, Youth and Sports; Committee for Gender and Social Welfare; Committee for Humanitarian Affairs; Committee for Labour and Human Resources Development; Committee for Energy and Mining; Committee for Information and Communication; Committee for Governance Affairs; Committee for Mobilization and Organization; Committee for Training and Research; and Committee for Syndicated Organizations. NLC Standing Committees shall be formed into three clusters: Governance Cluster, Economic Cluster, and Service Delivery Cluster.

Article 22: Composition of Standing Committees. The Political Bureau (PB) shall be composed of 28 members as follows: Chairperson of the Movement (elected by the NC); Deputy Chairperson of the movement (elected by the NC); The Secretary General of the Movement (elected by the NLC, shall be the Secretary of the PB); Chairpersons of Women League, Youth League, Veterans League and Students League (4 in number); Chairperson of National Parliamentary Caucus; and Twenty (20) Chairpersons of Standing Committees. Members of the Political Bureau shall serve for a term of five (5) years.

Article 23: Functions and Duties of Standing Committees. The Political Bureau is the highest executive political organ of the Movement. It shall formulate policies, plans and programs; direct and supervise political, administrative and executive activities of the SPLM; manage and control all the finances and assets of the Movement; issue policy directives and instructions to, and receive reports from the General Secretariat; and ensure that all the structures of the SPLM function democratically, transparently, effectively and efficiently. The PB shall meet once every two weeks. The quorum for the meetings of the PB shall be two third (2/3) of its members. Resolutions of the PB shall be carried by simple majority of members present and voting.

CHAPTER X: THE GENERAL SECRETARIAT

Article 24: Establishment and Structures. There shall be established in the SPLM an organ to be known as the General Secretariat. The General Secretariat shall be structured as follows: Secretary General; Deputy Secretary General; and National Secretaries for: Secretariat for Peace, Reconciliation and Healing; Secretariat for Foreign Relations; Secretariat for Legal Affairs and Human Rights; Secretariat for Security and Defense; Secretariat for Economic Affairs, Commerce and Industry; Secretariat for Agriculture and Natural Resources; Secretariat for Land, Housing and Environment; Secretariat for Transport Systems; Secretariat for Education, Science and Technology; Secretariat for Health; Secretariat for Culture, Youth and Sports; Secretariat for Gender and Social Welfare; Secretariat for Humanitarian Affairs; Secretariat for Labour and Human Resources Development; Secretariat for Energy and Mining; Secretariat for Information and Communication; Secretariat for Governance Affairs; Secretariat for Mobilization and Organisation; Secretariat for Administration and Finance; Secretariat for Training and Research; and Secretariat for Syndicated Organizations.

Article 25: Functions and Duties of the General Secretariat. The General Secretariat shall: be responsible for implementation, monitoring and evaluation of SPLM policies, programs plans and decisions passed by the NC, NLC and the PB; carry out the day to day activities of the SPLM; report and be accountable to the PB and NLC; receive and act upon reports from the States and Chapters; prepare basic Regulations and Rules; facilitate the participation and involvement of SPLM members in the standing committees, working groups, caucuses, popular organizations or discussion forums; manage, control and monitor the funds and assets of the Movement; and guide, supervise and support activities of the popular and syndicated organizations.

Article 26: Meetings of the General Secretariat. The General Secretariat shall meet at least once a week, and shall be presided over by the Secretary General. The General Secretariat shall function in a collegial and collective manner. Quorum for the meetings of the General Secretariat shall be simple majority. Decisions of the General Secretariat shall be taken by simple majority of members present and voting.

CHAPTER XI: FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES OF SPLM NATIONAL OFFICERS

Article 28: The Chairperson. The Chairperson of the SPLM shall: be the head of the SPLM and the Chairperson of the NC, NLC and PB; preside over the meetings of the NC, NLC, PB and the General Secretariat; direct, receive reports and supervise all the organs of the SPLM; present policy statements and any other relevant documents of the Movement to the NC, NLC or the PB; be the SPLM candidate for Presidency of the Republic in the Presidential elections if he/she wins in the primaries; have a maximum limit of two (2) terms; and perform any other function as he/she deems necessary for the proper implementation of the Movement's policies and programs. In case the office of the Chairperson falls vacant, the Deputy Chairperson shall assume the office of Chairperson and convene an extraordinary meeting of the NC within sixty (60) days to elect a new Chairperson.

Article 29: Deputy Chairperson. The Deputy Chairperson shall: assist the Chairperson in the discharge of his/her functions and duties; perform any other function and duty that may be assigned by the Chairperson; and in the absence of the Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson shall act.

Article 30: The Secretary General. The Secretary General shall: be the chief political advisor in an SPLM led government; be the chief executive officer of the Movement and shall be accountable to the PB; be the secretary of the PB, NLC and the NC and keep the minutes and records of the same; nominate a Deputy Secretary General for approval by the PB; preside over the meetings of the General Secretariat; receive reports of all organs of the Movement and committees; organize the meetings of the PB, NLC and the NC, and notify all the members; channel and disseminate the resolutions and directives of the PB, NLC, NC and the General Secretariat and ensure their implementation; and prepare periodic progress reports on the work of the General Secretariat, the PB and the NLC. The Secretary General may be removed from office by decision of the NLC by two thirds (2/3) majority in an ordinary or extra-ordinary meeting on the request of at least one third (1/3) of the total membership of the NLC.

CHAPTERS XII–XVI: STATE ORGANS

The State Congress is the highest political organ of the SPLM in the State and shall be composed of 1,630 delegates. The State Congress shall convene once every four years on Tuesday of the last week of January. The State Liberation Council (SLC) shall comprise of not more than 81 members elected by the State Congress. The SLC shall be convened in regular sessions every three months. The State Secretariat shall be structured under a State Secretary with State Secretariats for: Peace, Reconciliation and Healing; Legal Affairs and Human Rights; Economic Affairs, Energy, Mining Commerce and Industry; Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment; Land, Housing and Physical Infrastructure; Education, Youth and Sports; Health, Gender, Social Welfare and Humanitarian Affairs; Labour and Human Resources Development; Culture, Information and Communication; Mobilization and Organisation; Administration and Finance; and Syndicated Organizations. The State Chairperson shall be the head of the SPLM at the State level and the Chairperson of the SC and SLC, and shall be the SPLM candidate for Governorship in the State elections if she or he wins in the primaries.

CHAPTERS XVII–XXI: COUNTY ORGANS

The County Congress is the highest political organ of the SPLM in the County and shall be composed of 815 delegates. The County Congress shall convene once every five (5) years on Tuesday of the last week of November. The County Liberation Council (CLC) shall comprise of not more than 57 members elected by the County Congress. The regular sessions of the CLC shall be convened at least once every six months. The County Secretariat shall be structured under a County Secretary with County Secretariats for: Peace, Reconciliation and Healing; Human Rights; Agriculture, Natural Resources and Conservation of Environment; Land and Housing; Culture, Youth and Sports; Social Welfare and Services; Mobilization and Organisation; Administration and Finance; and Syndicated Organizations. The County Chairperson shall be the head of the SPLM and the Chairperson of the CC and CLC, and shall be the SPLM candidate for Commissionership in the County elections if she or he wins in the primaries.

CHAPTERS XXII–XXV: PAYAM ORGANS

The Payam Congress (PC) is the highest political organ of the SPLM in the Payam and shall be composed of 570 delegates. The Payam Congress shall convene once every four years on Tuesday of the last week of October. The Payam Liberation Council (PLC) shall comprise of not more than 30 members. The regular sessions of the PLC shall be convened at least once every three months. The Payam Secretariat shall be comprised of a Payam Secretary and Payam Assistant Secretaries for: Mobilization and Organisation, and Culture, Information and Communication; Administration and Finance; and Syndicated Organizations, Social Welfare and Services.

CHAPTERS XXVI–XXIX: BOMA ORGANS

Boma is the rural or urban nucleus of the Movement and Society. It is the basic unit in which the highest membership and voting power resides, and where basic social services shall be rendered to the masses through SPLM goal: "Taking Towns to Rural Areas". The Boma Congress is the highest political organ of the SPLM in the Boma and shall be composed of all the registered members. The Boma Congress shall convene once every two years on Tuesday of the last week of September. The Boma Liberation Council (BLC) shall comprise of not more than twenty one (21) members elected by the Boma Congress. The BLC regular sessions shall be convened at least once a month. The Boma Secretariat shall comprise of the Boma Secretary and three Assistant Secretaries, structured as: Boma Secretariat for Political Awareness (comprising Mobilization and Organization; Culture, Information and Communication; and Syndicated Organizations); Boma Secretariat for Administration and Finance; and Boma Secretariat for Social Welfare and Services.

CHAPTER XXX: CHAPTER ORGANS

SPLM members residing abroad (outside South Sudan) may establish Chapters in any town or city that they live in provided that they shall not contravene any laws of the host country. The Chapter Assembly is the political organ of the SPLM in a town or city abroad and shall be composed of all the registered members. The Chapter Assembly shall convene once every year on Tuesday of the last week of September. There shall be established a Country Conference composed of representatives from each District/State/Province/Region. The Country Conference shall convene every two years on Tuesday of the last week of January. For the purpose of sending delegates to the National Convention, the following shall be considered as countries: Australia, Canada, Egypt, Europe (as a Region), Kenya, Uganda and the United States of America. The Chapter Secretariat shall comprise of the Chapter Secretary and four Assistant Secretaries for: Mobilization and Organization; Culture, Information and Communication; Administration and Finance; and Social Welfare and Services.

CHAPTER XXXI: CELL ORGAN

Article 106: The Cell Organ. The Cell shall be: composed of two or more members of the SPLM; the basic unit of the Movement; and open to any SPLM member within a particular non-SPLM institution/organization. The Cell leadership shall, in case of more than two members, be composed of not more than three officials: Chairperson; Secretary; and Treasurer. Cells shall hold meetings to: recruit new members for the Movement; organize and hold meetings by the members in the institutions or organizations; initiate and discuss SPLM policies relevant to their institutions or organizations; disseminate and promote SPLM documents; and liaise and coordinate with the SPLM organs at any level.

CHAPTER XXXII: FINANCES OF THE MOVEMENT

Article 107: Sources of Finance. Finances of the Movement shall be raised from the following sources: membership registration fees as shall be determined by the National Liberation Council; fixed Monthly Subscription fee from all registered members as shall be determined by NLC; SPLM members mandated to hold government Constitutional positions must contribute a fixed percentage as shall be determined by NLC; donations, grants, gifts and contributions legally acquired; returns on investments and interest on deposits; and any other legitimate fund-raising activities consistent with the Financial Regulations and Rules of the Movement.

Article 108: Management of the Movement's Finances. The SPLM financial year begins on the 1st of January and ends on the 31st of December of the same year. All monies of the Movement shall be kept in bank accounts approved by the PB. Finances of the Movement shall be managed in accordance with internationally accepted standards and good practices as prescribed in the SPLM Financial Regulations and Rules. The General Secretariat shall compile an overall annual financial report of the Movement and submit the same to the PB for presentation to NLC for approval.

Article 109: Audit of Accounts. Accounts of the SPLM shall be audited annually, within three months from the end of the financial year, by certified auditors. The auditors shall prepare the audit and management reports and submit the report to the Secretary General who, after discussion of the report by the General Secretariat, shall submit the same to the PB for consideration. The PB shall table the auditor's report to the NLC.

CHAPTER XXXIII: MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Article 110: SPLM Primaries. Primaries for nomination of SPLM candidates to participate in general elections shall be conducted in every county in the country on the same day. The SLC shall establish an electoral committee to carry out primaries for electing one candidate from a number of equally eligible candidates contesting for the same seat. In case of candidacy for President, Governor, Federal legislator, State legislator and County Commissioner, the following members, sitting as an electoral college, shall elect the candidate: Boma Liberation Council Members; Payam Liberation Council Members; and County Liberation Council Members.

Article 111: Discipline in the Movement. The National Liberation Council shall make rules, regulations and procedures governing discipline and code of conduct, financial matters, and other relevant matters for the Movement.

Article 112: The SPLM Logo. The logo of the SPLM is made up of two concentric circles. Within the inner circle are three arcs of concentric circles. In the upper compartment, constituting about two-thirds (2/3), is written the words: "Sudan Peoples' Liberation Movement", and in the lower are two olive branches crossing at the base. In the left, right and bottom spaces of the inner arcs are written, respectively, the words: "Unity, Equality and Progress". In the inner triangle is written the acronym "SPLM", just above the base.

Article 113: SPLM National Days. The organs of the Movement at all levels shall observe the following SPLM National Days: 9th January — Referendum Day; 16th May — Revolution Day; 9th July — Independence Day; 30th July — Martyrs Day; 17th August — Peace Day; and 18th August — Liberation Day.

Article 114: Interim Provisions. This Constitution shall be adopted by simple majority of the NC membership. All orders, resolutions, directives, appointments or actions made or issued and organs established prior to the adoption of this Constitution shall continue as though they were made, issued or established under this Constitution until they are repealed or amended in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.

Article 115: Amendment of the Constitution. This Constitution may be amended by three-quarters (3/4) majority of the quorum of the NC. A motion to amend this Constitution shall be tabled before the NC by the Chairperson of the Movement on the written request of at least one third (1/3) of the NLC members. A motion to amend this Constitution shall be served to all the members of the NC by the General Secretariat one month before the NC meeting.

Article 116: Regulations and Rules. For proper and effective implementation of this Constitution, the NLC shall develop Regulations and Rules in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.

Article 117: Adoption of the Constitution. This Constitution is adopted by the SPLM Delegates to the 3rd Leadership Conference and signed by the SPLM Chairperson on this 5th Day of the month of August, in the year 2015 in Pagak, Republic of South Sudan.