Believing that Sudan is a homeland for all its citizens and that true independence can be completed only through a civil and democratic state founded on equal citizenship and the rule of law; proud of the country's deep civilisational heritage and the diversity of its peoples and cultures; inspired by the sacrifices of Sudanese people for freedom, dignity and justice; and determined to build an institutional party that is not founded on individual leadership, group allegiance or quota-sharing, the New Independence Party adopts this Constitution as the basis for organising its membership and institutions, practising internal democracy, and pursuing its objectives by peaceful means.<\/p>\n
This Constitution shall be read with the Founding Document and the Party's Political Programme. Its provisions draw on comparative experience of institutional political parties while taking account of Sudan's circumstances and the need to prevent concentration of power and ensure rotation of leadership, oversight and accountability.<\/p>\n
This document is a draft open to discussion and amendment before the Founding Convention.<\/p>\n
The draft shall undergo legal review before submission for registration under the Sudanese legislation in force at that time.<\/p>\n
Detailed regulations shall be issued subsequently and may not diminish the rights and guarantees contained in this Constitution.<\/p>\n
This political organisation shall be known as the New Independence Party and is referred to in this Constitution as the Party. A translation of its name into other languages may be adopted by resolution of the Central Council, provided that this does not alter its Arabic name or legal personality.<\/p>\n
The Party is a national Sudanese political organisation that is civil, democratic, pluralist and liberal, independent in its decision-making, and committed to peaceful and constitutional means. It shall acquire legal personality in accordance with the law from the date of its registration. The Party may not establish or sponsor any military, paramilitary or armed formation.<\/p>\n
The principal headquarters of the Party shall be within Sudan at a place determined by the Central Council. Branches and offices may be established in the regions, localities and outside Sudan in accordance with this Constitution and the regulations. The Preparatory Committee may designate temporary headquarters until the Founding Convention is held.<\/p>\n
The governing instruments of the Party comprise this Constitution, the Founding Document, the Political Programme, and the regulations and decisions issued pursuant to them. In the event of inconsistency, this Constitution shall prevail, subject to the Constitution and applicable laws that are consistent with fundamental rights and freedoms.<\/p>\n
The Party shall adopt an emblem and flag expressing independence, justice, equality and progress. Their descriptions, colours and rules of use shall be determined by the General Convention or by an approved schedule to this Constitution. Any proposed designs shall remain provisional until approved by the Founding Convention.<\/p>\n
The Party is founded on the rule of law, equal citizenship, internal democracy, the peaceful transfer of power, freedom of thought and expression, transparency, accountability, non-discrimination, respect for diversity, decentralisation, and the rejection of violence, hatred, racism, corruption and authoritarianism.<\/p>\n
The Party seeks to restore a civil and democratic Sudanese state; consolidate national independence; build a just federal system; protect rights and freedoms; achieve justice, equality and equal opportunity; rebuild state institutions on the basis of competence and integrity; recognise Sudan's Nubian and Kushite heritage and civilisational diversity; develop education, health, the economy and infrastructure; and strengthen the strategic relationship with the Republic of South Sudan and neighbouring states.<\/p>\n
The Party shall pursue its objectives through peaceful civil organisation, public awareness, research and policy development, dialogue, participation in elections, the building of democratic alliances, parliamentary, governmental and community action, communication with Sudanese people inside the country and in the diaspora, and any lawful means consistent with this Constitution.<\/p>\n
The receipt of directions from any state, intelligence service, armed force or foreign entity is prohibited. This does not prevent lawful and transparent cooperation with political parties and civil or international institutions, provided that such cooperation does not compromise the Party's independence or the national interest.<\/p>\n
Membership is individual and open to every Sudanese man or woman who has attained the age of eighteen, believes in the Party's principles, accepts this Constitution and the Political Programme, undertakes to act peacefully, is not a member of another political party or an armed organisation, and has not been finally convicted of an offence involving corruption, dishonesty or a serious violation of human rights unless legally rehabilitated.<\/p>\n
An application for membership shall be submitted in the manner prescribed by the regulations and shall include the required information and declaration. The competent branch shall decide the application within thirty days. Any refusal must state reasons and may be appealed to the Membership Committee within thirty days. Membership may not be refused on grounds of race, colour, sex, religion, language, region, disability or social status.<\/p>\n
The General Secretariat shall maintain a secure and current central register of members, with due regard to data protection. Every member shall have one membership number. Only a registered member whose subscriptions are paid may vote or stand for office after expiry of the qualifying period prescribed by the regulations, which may not exceed six months, except for participants in the Founding Convention under the transitional provisions.<\/p>\n
A member has the right to participate in Party activities; express opinions and responsible criticism; obtain non-confidential organisational information; elect leaders and stand for election subject to the applicable conditions; submit proposals and petitions; defend himself or herself and appeal decisions affecting them; and be free from discrimination or retaliation for a legitimate opinion.<\/p>\n
A member shall comply with the Constitution, regulations and lawful decisions; respect the dignity of others; protect the Party's property and reputation; disclose conflicts of interest; pay subscriptions; refrain from violence, hate speech and the publication of information known to be false; and not exploit Party status for private benefit.<\/p>\n
Membership terminates upon death, written resignation, joining another political party, final expulsion, or loss of any condition of membership. Membership may be suspended temporarily subject to the safeguards in this Constitution. Termination does not extinguish financial obligations or accountability for prior conduct.<\/p>\n
A person who resigned or whose membership ended for a reason other than final expulsion may apply for restoration in accordance with the regulations. A person who has been expelled may not be readmitted until three years have elapsed and the Appeals Committee has issued a reasoned decision, or, in cases involving serious violations, by resolution of the General Convention.<\/p>\n
The Party structures comprise grassroots units, locality branches, regional institutions, diaspora branches, the General Convention, the Central Council and the National Executive Bureau. Every level shall operate within its powers and according to the principle of disciplined decentralisation.<\/p>\n
The grassroots unit is the foundation of the Party and may be established in a neighbourhood, village, workplace or place of study in accordance with the regulations, with no fewer than ten members. It shall elect an office for a term of two years, meet regularly, discuss policies, recruit members and submit reports to the locality branch.<\/p>\n
The Locality Convention consists of delegates from the grassroots units and shall elect a council and executive office for a term of four years. It is responsible for implementing Party plans, administering membership, activities and local resources, and selecting delegates to the Regional Convention according to proportional representation prescribed by the regulations.<\/p>\n
The Regional Convention consists of representatives of the localities and shall elect the Regional Council and its executive office for a term of four years. It is responsible for regional planning, supervision of branches, submission of policies and candidates, and election of delegates to the General Convention. The particular character and diversity of each region shall be respected without creating bodies parallel to the Party's national authorities.<\/p>\n
Party branches may be established outside Sudan by country or geographical area. Diaspora members have full rights to participate, vote, stand for election and be represented in Party institutions. The regulations shall govern the formation and representation of branches in a manner that prevents disproportionate representation of any country or group and maintains the connection between decision-making and the country.<\/p>\n
Women shall constitute no less than forty per cent of every elected body and list of candidates, and the Party shall seek parity whenever sufficient nominations are available. Persons under thirty-five shall constitute no less than twenty-five per cent. Participation by persons with disabilities, displaced persons, refugees and underrepresented regions shall be taken into account. Quotas may not be used to exclude competence or free competition.<\/p>\n
The General Convention is the supreme authority of the Party and all Party bodies are bound by its decisions. It consists of elected delegates from the regions and diaspora, representatives of sectors, and members of the Central Council by virtue of office in a proportion that does not permit them to control the Convention, in accordance with fair regulations published six months before the Convention.<\/p>\n
The Convention shall approve and amend the Constitution; adopt the Founding Document and Political Programme; elect the Party President, Deputy President and elected members of the Central Council; receive performance, financial and audit reports; hold the leadership accountable; approve general policies; and decide any merger or dissolution by the required special majority.<\/p>\n
The ordinary General Convention shall be held every four years. In compelling circumstances, it may be postponed for no more than six months by a two-thirds resolution of the Central Council after obtaining a written opinion from the Constitutional Oversight Committee. The term of Party bodies may not be extended more than once.<\/p>\n
An Extraordinary Convention shall be convened by a two-thirds resolution of the Central Council, at the request of a majority of Regional Councils representing at least one-third of Party members, or upon a reasoned request from the Constitutional Oversight Committee in the event of a serious breach. Its agenda shall be confined to the matters for which it was convened.<\/p>\n
The quorum for the Convention is two-thirds of the delegates. If the quorum is not achieved, the meeting shall be adjourned for no fewer than seven and no more than thirty days, and the second meeting shall be valid with an absolute majority present. Decisions shall be made by ordinary majority except where this Constitution requires a special majority. Elections of persons shall be by secret ballot.<\/p>\n
The Central Council is the highest authority between General Conventions. It consists of the Party President, Deputy President, Secretary-General, regional presidents, elected representatives of the regions, diaspora, women, youth and professional sectors, and such members as the Convention elects. The Convention shall determine its size to ensure effectiveness and balanced representation.<\/p>\n
The Central Council shall monitor implementation of Convention decisions; approve plans, the budget and policies between Conventions; elect the Secretary-General and members of the Executive Bureau through open nominations; hold the Bureau accountable; fill vacancies on an interim basis; approve regulations; and approve major alliances and national candidate lists.<\/p>\n
The Central Council shall meet at least twice each year and may meet in person or through secure means of communication. An absolute majority constitutes a quorum, and decisions shall be made by a majority of those present. A summary of decisions shall be published to members within fifteen days unless a legitimate interest requires temporary confidentiality.<\/p>\n
By a two-thirds majority of all its members, the Central Council may suspend the Party President, Deputy President or Secretary-General for a serious breach, after receiving a report from an independent committee and hearing the response of the person concerned. The decision must be presented to an Extraordinary Convention within ninety days. Withdrawal of confidence may not be used to suppress legitimate political disagreement.<\/p>\n
The Party President embodies the Party's political unity, presides over the Convention and Central Council, follows up implementation of their vision and represents the Party before third parties. The President may not unilaterally annul decisions of Party bodies, dispose of funds or appoint elected bodies. The term of office is four years, and no person may be elected for more than two consecutive terms.<\/p>\n
The Deputy President assists the Party President and acts in the President's place during absence or temporary incapacity. If the office becomes vacant, the Deputy shall perform the duties until a President is elected by an Extraordinary Convention within six months. The term limits and conflict-of-interest requirements applicable to the President also apply to the Deputy.<\/p>\n
The Secretary-General is the principal administrative and organisational officer. The Secretary-General supervises the Secretariat and register, implementation of plans, and preservation of minutes and documents, and submits periodic reports to the Executive Bureau and Central Council. The term is four years, renewable once, and the Secretary-General is accountable to the Central Council.<\/p>\n
The Executive Bureau consists of the President, Deputy President, Secretary-General, deputy secretaries-general, Treasurer and heads of the secretariats determined by the Central Council. It manages daily operations and implements the budget and plans. It shall meet monthly, and its decisions shall be collective and recorded. It may not amend the Constitution or exceed the powers of the Convention or Central Council.<\/p>\n
The secretariats may include, as required, organisation, policy and research, media, external relations, women, youth, diaspora, legal affairs, finance, training, elections, membership, peace and transitional justice. The Central Council may merge them or establish others, provided their powers are defined.<\/p>\n
An office becomes vacant upon death, resignation, permanent incapacity, termination of membership or final removal. The Central Council shall fill a vacancy temporarily until the next Convention, except for the Party presidency, to which Article 33 applies. An acting appointment may not exceed six months unless the Central Council approves an extension for compelling necessity.<\/p>\n
The Internal Elections Committee, Constitutional Oversight Committee, Disciplinary Committee, Appeals Committee and Financial Audit Committee shall be established as functionally independent institutions. Membership of any such institution may not be combined with membership of the Executive Bureau, and its members may not be removed before expiry of their terms except for a specified cause and through fair procedures.<\/p>\n
The Committee shall administer all Party elections, prepare the electoral register, publish schedules and results, and determine preliminary objections. The Central Council shall elect its members from persons of integrity and experience by a two-thirds majority. A Committee member may not stand for an office in an election administered by the Committee.<\/p>\n
The Committee shall interpret this Constitution, review the legality of decisions of Party bodies, determine jurisdictional disputes and review regulations before they take effect. Its decisions shall be reasoned and internally binding, without prejudice to the right of an affected person to seek review by the Convention or in accordance with the law.<\/p>\n
The Committee shall investigate and determine alleged violations at first instance. It shall consist of independent members having no interest in or hostility concerning the complaint. A person who conducted the investigation may not alone determine the case. Decisions shall be issued in writing and state the facts, reasons, sanction and right of appeal.<\/p>\n
The Committee shall hear appeals against disciplinary, membership and electoral decisions within the limits prescribed by the regulations. Its decisions are final within the Party, without preventing recourse to the legally competent authorities. A person who participated in the challenged decision may not hear the appeal.<\/p>\n
The Convention or Central Council shall appoint a qualified independent auditor to audit the Party's accounts annually. The auditor has access to records, contracts and accounts, shall report directly to the Central Council and Convention, and shall make a summary of the report available to members.<\/p>\n
Elections shall be founded on integrity, secrecy, equal opportunity, the neutrality of Party bodies, transparency of the register, and the prohibition of vote-buying and the use of money, influence, regionalism or tribalism. Rules and dates shall be announced sufficiently in advance.<\/p>\n
A candidate must satisfy membership and subscription requirements, be of good standing, disclose interests and assets as prescribed by the regulations, and not be subject to a disqualifying sanction. A reasonable minimum period of membership may be required for an office, but it may not be applied retrospectively or used to exclude competitors.<\/p>\n
The Internal Elections Committee shall determine spending limits, funding sources and campaign methods. The use of general Party resources for the benefit of a candidate, threats, hate speech and the publication of fabricated information are prohibited. Every candidate shall submit a statement of campaign expenditure and donations.<\/p>\n
Detailed results shall be announced within a reasonable period and may be challenged within seven days or such period as the regulations prescribe. An appeal does not suspend the result unless the Committee so orders. Voting shall be repeated where a violation materially affecting the result is established.<\/p>\n
Violations include breach of the Constitution, corruption, misappropriation of funds, violence, harassment, discrimination, hate speech, disclosure of protected information, falsification of records, forcible disruption of meetings, abuse of office and breach of lawful Party decisions. Criticism or a vote contrary to the leadership's position is not, by itself, a violation.<\/p>\n
No sanction may be imposed without an applicable provision, and a member is presumed innocent. The member must receive written notice of the allegation and evidence, adequate time to prepare a defence, the right to be assisted by a chosen Party member or lawyer, the right to call witnesses, a reasoned decision, and a right of appeal to an independent body.<\/p>\n
A member may be suspended on an interim basis where necessary to protect an investigation, persons or property, by a reasoned decision for no more than sixty days, renewable once by the Appeals Committee. Suspension is not a finding of guilt and does not prevent the member from presenting a defence.<\/p>\n
Sanctions are a warning, reprimand, apology or restitution, temporary deprivation of specified rights, suspension, removal from office and expulsion. A sanction must be proportionate to the violation, harm and prior record. Collective punishment is prohibited.<\/p>\n
A holder of leadership office shall temporarily step aside from duties if an independent judicial authority brings a serious charge involving corruption, grave violence or a violation of human rights, after the Appeals Committee assesses the facts and ensures that the procedure has not been abused. The arrangement shall be reviewed every ninety days.<\/p>\n
The Party's resources consist of members' subscriptions, lawful and disclosed donations, proceeds of permitted activities, and public support in accordance with the law. The Party may not accept funds from an unknown source, funds subject to conditions compromising its independence, or funds from an entity prohibited by law.<\/p>\n
Funds shall be deposited in bank accounts in the Party's name, and large amounts may not be retained in cash. Expenditure shall be made under an approved budget and require at least two signatures from authorised persons who are reasonably independent of one another. No account may be opened in the name of a natural person to hold Party funds.<\/p>\n
The Treasurer shall prepare the draft budget and final accounts for approval by the Central Council. Quarterly reports shall be submitted to the Executive Bureau and half-yearly reports to the Central Council. An annual summary identifying sources of income, categories of expenditure and liabilities shall be published to members.<\/p>\n
Procurement is subject to competition, transparency and written authority. A leader or relative may not contract with the Party unless the interest is disclosed, the leader abstains from the decision, and it is established that the contract is in the Party's best interests. The regulations shall prescribe financial thresholds and tender procedures.<\/p>\n
The Party may appoint employees on the basis of competence and equal opportunity under written contracts. Professional employment shall be distinct from elected political office. An employee does not become a member or voter by reason of employment.<\/p>\n
Minutes of meetings, delegated authorities, contracts, financial records and the asset register shall be preserved. Members have the right to inspect general documents under regulations balancing transparency with privacy and legitimate security. Information may not be classified as confidential to conceal misconduct or corruption.<\/p>\n
Policies shall be developed through the specialised secretariats and consultation with branches, experts and affected communities, and shall be approved at the level appropriate to their importance. No leader may announce a fundamental change to the Party's programme without authority.<\/p>\n
The Party shall select candidates for public elections through a democratic and transparent process combining members' votes with assessment of integrity, competence and representation. The Internal Elections Committee shall administer the process. The leadership may not impose candidates except for published exceptional reasons that are open to challenge.<\/p>\n
Party representatives shall observe the Constitution, law and public interest before any inconsistent Party direction. They shall report periodically to voters and the Party, disclose their interests, and shall not permit the Party to interfere in public administration, the judiciary or professional appointments on the basis of Party loyalty.<\/p>\n
The Central Council shall approve major electoral and political alliances by a two-thirds majority after publishing their principles to members. A merger that terminates the Party's legal personality may only be approved by the Convention under Article 70.<\/p>\n
Notice, the agenda and supporting documents shall be provided within an appropriate period. Minutes shall record attendance, decisions and conflicts of interest. Meetings and voting may take place electronically through means that verify identity and protect secrecy. A member may not participate in a decision in which the member has a direct personal interest.<\/p>\n
When necessary, the Executive Bureau may make a decision ordinarily within the Central Council's powers, provided that it is temporary and submitted to the Central Council for ratification within thirty days, failing which it ceases to have future effect. This power does not extend to amendment of the Constitution, dissolution of an elected body or disposal of a material asset.<\/p>\n
A dissenting opinion shall be recorded in the minutes at the request of its author, and a minority may present proposals to the membership under fair rules. Party discipline may not extinguish freedom of conscience or prevent the reporting of corruption or violations through the competent channels.<\/p>\n
An elected body may be dissolved only for incapacity or a serious breach, after notice, an opportunity to be heard and a report from the Constitutional Oversight Committee. Dissolution requires a two-thirds resolution of the Central Council. A transitional committee with limited powers shall be appointed and new elections held within ninety days where circumstances permit.<\/p>\n
The Central Council shall issue regulations necessary for membership, elections, finance, discipline, branches, conventions, candidate selection and data protection. Regulations may not amend this Constitution or diminish the rights guaranteed by it.<\/p>\n
This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority of those present at the General Convention on a proposal circulated to branches at least sixty days beforehand. The principles of democracy, peaceful action, equality and periodic elections may not be amended in a manner that deprives them of substance.<\/p>\n
The provisions shall be interpreted to promote democracy, members' rights, transparency, Party unity and diversity. In cases of doubt, the interpretation least restrictive of rights and most protective against concentration of power shall be preferred unless inconsistent with an express provision.<\/p>\n
The Party may not merge into another party or dissolve voluntarily except by resolution of a General Convention convened for that purpose and supported by three-quarters of all accredited delegates, following consultation with the branches. Upon dissolution, liabilities shall be discharged and the assets transferred to a non-profit public purpose determined by the Convention in accordance with the law. Assets may not be distributed to members.<\/p>\n
A temporary Preparatory Committee shall administer the founding stage, register the founders, build branches, prepare the Founding Convention, undertake legal registration, and administer funds required for those purposes. The Committee is not an elected leadership and may not make permanent strategic decisions exceeding the requirements of the founding stage.<\/p>\n
The names and functions of Committee members shall be announced, with regard to representation of the regions, women, youth and diaspora. The Committee shall elect from among its members a Coordinator, Secretary and Financial Secretary and shall decide by majority. It may be expanded according to published criteria. No member may exercise sole control over the register, funds or means of communication.<\/p>\n
During the transitional stage, the Party's daily work shall be coordinated through a temporary General Secretariat established by and accountable to the Preparatory Committee, assisted by regional coordinators in the states of Sudan and among Sudanese communities abroad. During this stage, the Party shall operate as one nationally coordinated movement, remaining connected with citizens wherever they are and preventing its activities from becoming concentrated in one office or city. The Preparatory Committee shall define the powers of the General Secretariat and coordinators and the rules governing their selection and accountability. All such arrangements are temporary and shall terminate or be reorganised immediately upon the election of Party institutions by the Founding Convention.<\/p>\n
The Committee shall establish a register of founders showing the date of joining, place of residence and means of contact, with protection of personal data. Every founder satisfying the conditions has the right to participate in selecting Convention delegates under uniform rules. Earlier participation shall not confer a permanent leadership privilege.<\/p>\n
The Founding Convention shall be held as soon as security and legal conditions permit meaningful participation within Sudan and, in all circumstances, within twelve months after registration of the Party unless prevented by law or a documented event of force majeure. It may be held in person and in hybrid form to ensure participation by the regions and diaspora.<\/p>\n
The Founding Convention shall approve the Founding Document, Constitution and Political Programme; determine the final name, emblem and flag; elect the leadership, Central Council and independent committees; approve the administrative and financial reports of the Preparatory Committee; and decide any other founding matters included on its agenda.<\/p>\n
The mandate of the Preparatory Committee ends automatically upon declaration of the results of elections at the Founding Convention. The Committee shall deliver all records, funds and assets within fifteen days and submit final accounts for audit. Its discharge is effective only after approval of the report and does not prejudice any legal responsibility.<\/p>\n
This draft shall operate temporarily for organisational purposes from the date of its adoption by the founders and shall become the final Constitution after its approval, as amended, by the Founding Convention and completion of the legal registration requirements.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"menu_order":1,"template":"","document_collection":[50],"class_list":["post-210","party_document","type-party_document","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rmsdemo.com\/projects\/sudan-independent-party\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/party_document\/210","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rmsdemo.com\/projects\/sudan-independent-party\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/party_document"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rmsdemo.com\/projects\/sudan-independent-party\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/party_document"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/rmsdemo.com\/projects\/sudan-independent-party\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/party_document\/210\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rmsdemo.com\/projects\/sudan-independent-party\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=210"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"document_collection","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rmsdemo.com\/projects\/sudan-independent-party\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document_collection?post=210"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}