Draft provisions governing representation, conventions and the democratic rotation of leadership.<\/p>\n
Independence \u2022 Justice \u2022 Equality \u2022 Progress<\/p>\n
Believing that the legitimacy of the Party begins with the will of its members, and that democratic rotation, fair voting and equitable representation are safeguards of institutional independence, this Regulation is established to govern the General Convention and internal elections on the principles of transparency, equality and accountability.<\/p>\n
This draft shall be reviewed before adoption or official filing in light of applicable Sudanese legislation and the final Constitution. References, time limits and percentages shall be amended as necessary to ensure full legal consistency.<\/p>\n
This Regulation shall be called the \u201cNew Independence Party General Convention and Internal Elections Regulation, 2026\u201d. It shall be read together with the Constitution, the Membership and Party Register Regulation, and the Code of Conduct. In the event of a conflict, the provisions of the Constitution shall prevail.<\/p>\n
This Regulation aims to organise a democratic and transparent General Convention; ensure regular, free and fair elections and the rotation of leadership; provide equality among candidates, proper representation and secrecy of the ballot; and secure the prompt determination of appeals.<\/p>\n
The procedures shall be based on the sovereignty of the membership, independence and impartiality, inclusiveness, appropriate transparency, one vote per voter, non-discrimination, prohibition of misuse of Party resources or office, and verifiability of results.<\/p>\n
This Regulation applies to the General Convention, the Founding Convention, elections to central, state, local and branch bodies, and the selection of delegates and candidates where another regulation refers to it.<\/p>\n
\u201cConvention\u201d means the Party\u2019s highest authority; \u201cdelegate\u201d means a member accredited to attend it; \u201cCommission\u201d means the Independent Elections Commission; \u201celectoral register\u201d means the final list of voters; and \u201celectoral period\u201d means the period between the opening of nominations and the announcement of final results.<\/p>\n
The Convention shall approve policies, the programme, the Constitution and its amendments; elect the leadership and oversight bodies; consider political, organisational, financial and audit reports; and decide on merger or dissolution in accordance with the prescribed special majority.<\/p>\n
The ordinary General Convention shall meet at the times prescribed in the Constitution. Its term may be extended only in circumstances of force majeure, by a reasoned decision for a specified period, subject to review by the competent oversight body.<\/p>\n
An Extraordinary Convention shall be convened by decision of the authorised body or at the request of the proportion of members or branches specified in the Constitution. Its agenda shall be confined to matters stated in the notice, and it shall not be used to obstruct the ordinary Convention.<\/p>\n
Notice of an ordinary Convention shall be published at least ninety days in advance, and of an Extraordinary Convention at least thirty days in advance, unless a documented urgent situation exists. The notice shall specify the time, venue or method of meeting, agenda, number of delegates and electoral timetable.<\/p>\n
The Council shall establish an Organising Committee responsible for the venue, technology, interpretation, accessibility, safety and administrative accreditation. It shall not interfere with nominations, voting, counting or the determination of appeals.<\/p>\n
A draft agenda shall be prepared after receiving proposals from branches and members and published forty-five days in advance. At its opening, the Convention may amend the agenda by a majority of those present, but may not introduce an unannounced election or a substantive amendment that members have not had an opportunity to study.<\/p>\n
Draft resolutions and audited reports shall be circulated at least thirty days before the Convention in accessible formats. The financial report shall state revenues, expenditures, assets, liabilities, donations and oversight observations.<\/p>\n
A quorum shall consist of the majority of accredited delegates specified in the Constitution, subject to the minimum representation of regions or branches. If a quorum is not reached, the sitting shall be adjourned under announced procedures; absent delegates without excuse shall not be deemed to have voted in favour.<\/p>\n
The Convention shall elect impartial presiding officers to conduct proceedings, manage time and order, and record decisions. A candidate shall not preside over a sitting concerning their own election or an appeal against them.<\/p>\n
Balanced opportunities to speak and the rights to propose, amend and raise procedural objections shall be guaranteed. Interpretation and reasonable accommodations shall be provided when needed. A dissenting opinion shall be recorded in the minutes at the request of its author.<\/p>\n
Voting shall be open on general matters and secret in elections of persons, votes of no confidence and personal matters, unless the Convention resolves to use a secret ballot to protect freedom of opinion. Resolutions shall be adopted by the majority prescribed in the Constitution.<\/p>\n
Comprehensive minutes shall record attendance, quorum, proposals, votes and decisions and shall be signed by the chair of the sitting and the rapporteur. Decisions and results shall be published within seven days, withholding information whose disclosure would compromise privacy or safety.<\/p>\n
Delegates shall be allocated according to a published formula combining a fair minimum for each branch with proportional representation based on its eligible membership, using an audited register as at a uniform reference date.<\/p>\n
Provision shall be made for the participation of women, young people, persons with disabilities, displaced persons, refugees, diaspora members and underrepresented regions, in accordance with quotas or affirmative measures prescribed by the Constitution or a published decision that does not diminish voting rights.<\/p>\n
Each branch shall elect its delegates by secret, competitive ballot under the supervision of the Elections Commission. Appointment in place of election is prohibited except for ex officio seats expressly provided for, which shall not exceed the limit prescribed in the Constitution.<\/p>\n
A delegate must be a member in good standing, registered with the branch before the register closes, and not subject to a suspension that removes voting rights. Loyalty to any person or list may not be imposed as a condition of selection.<\/p>\n
Provisional branch lists shall be published in a manner that protects personal data, with at least seven days for objections. They shall become final after objections are determined and may thereafter be changed only upon death, resignation or a proven error.<\/p>\n
Alternate delegates shall be elected in a clear order of succession and shall replace delegates upon a documented ground arising before the Convention begins. A delegate may not be replaced because of their political position or refusal to follow instructions from the body that elected them.<\/p>\n
The Accreditation Committee shall verify identity, registration and authority and issue a non-transferable credential. Observers and candidates\u2019 agents may inspect accreditation procedures without access to sensitive data.<\/p>\n
The Convention may meet or permit participation electronically where necessary, provided identity verification, ballot secrecy, equal access and system integrity can be ensured. A practical alternative must be provided for persons hindered by technology or poor connectivity.<\/p>\n
The Elections Commission shall be elected or appointed in the manner prescribed by the Constitution sufficiently before the electoral period begins. It shall consist of an odd number of persons, not fewer than five, of integrity, competence and independence.<\/p>\n
A candidate, campaign manager, first-degree relative of a candidate, or executive office-holder able to influence the process may not serve on the Commission. Members shall promptly disclose any interest and recuse themselves where a conflict arises.<\/p>\n
The Commission shall have the budget, staff and access to the register necessary for its work and shall not accept instructions from the leadership on electoral decisions. A member may be removed during the electoral period only for serious cause through a procedure allowing defence and review.<\/p>\n
The Commission shall establish the electoral timetable and forms, audit the register, accept nominations, organise campaigns, voting and counting, accredit agents and observers, publish preliminary results, preserve materials and submit a final report.<\/p>\n
A separate, independent Appeals Committee of at least three members shall be formed, preferably including legal professionals. No person who made the contested decision or has a direct interest or dispute may participate.<\/p>\n
The Commission shall publish all general instructions, decisions, deadlines and contact channels. Individual decisions shall be written and reasoned, and meetings and minutes recorded. Substantive rules may not be changed after nominations open except out of necessity and on an equal basis.<\/p>\n
Independent internal observers and external observers approved by the Party may be accredited. They shall maintain impartiality and confidentiality and shall not interfere. They may monitor all stages, request that observations be recorded and obtain announced results.<\/p>\n
The electoral register shall be drawn from the central membership register according to an announced closing date at least thirty days before voting. It shall identify voting eligibility and branch without publishing contact details or sensitive information.<\/p>\n
Provisional lists shall be available for secure inspection. A member may object to the omission of their name, incorrect registration or duplication within a period of at least seven days. Objections shall be decided by reasoned decisions subject to appeal.<\/p>\n
A candidate must satisfy the conditions of the Constitution and membership, and submit an application, declaration of interests, biography and required information within the deadline. Additional conditions may not be introduced to exclude a particular person or group.<\/p>\n
Positions, conditions, deadlines and forms shall be announced before nominations open. The nomination period shall be sufficient and shall be no less than fourteen days for central elections. Applicants shall receive acknowledgements and have an opportunity to remedy formal deficiencies before closing.<\/p>\n
The Commission shall assess applications against uniform criteria, publish the provisional list and communicate individual reasons for exclusion, allowing a candidate at least five days to appeal. Exclusion shall not be final before the Appeals Committee decides.<\/p>\n
A candidate may withdraw in writing up to the announced deadline. If a candidate dies or becomes materially unable to continue, the Commission shall decide whether to extend nominations or amend the ballot in a manner preserving fair competition, and shall publish its decision and reasons.<\/p>\n
Candidates shall disclose financial and organisational interests that may affect the office and campaign donations, and sign a declaration of accuracy and acceptance of the Code of Conduct and spending limits.<\/p>\n
Shared Party resources, including halls, platforms and authorised contact lists, shall be made available under equal rules. Incumbents shall receive no advantage in media, staff, transport or data.<\/p>\n
Campaigns shall engage in substantive debate and respect human dignity. Violence, threats, harassment, hate speech, deliberate disinformation, defamation, vote-buying, promises of personal benefit and use of stolen data are prohibited.<\/p>\n
The Commission shall set expenditure limits and permitted funding sources and prohibit public, foreign, anonymous and Party funds not equally available to all. Candidates shall keep accounts of receipts and expenditure and submit them for audit.<\/p>\n
Donated goods and services shall be valued reasonably and counted towards the limit, except for personal volunteer work. Donations conditional upon a future decision, contract or nomination shall not be accepted.<\/p>\n
Debates or equal opportunities for candidates to present themselves shall be organised where practicable. Incorrect official information shall be corrected promptly. Paid material and its funder shall be identified, and digital platforms shall be subject to the same rules.<\/p>\n
Organised campaigning shall cease before voting for the period set by the Commission; neutral answers about voting procedures are exempt. Publication of polling results or targeted messages inside a polling station is prohibited.<\/p>\n
Voting shall be secret, direct and equal, in person or electronically under an approved system. The ballot and method for determining winners shall be clearly specified. A voter\u2019s choice may not be traced or proved, except for separate verification purposes that do not disclose the choice.<\/p>\n
Polling stations and hours shall be determined in advance and equipped for access, security and privacy. Weapons, campaigning and undue influence inside stations are prohibited. Voting may be suspended only for a genuine danger and by documented decision.<\/p>\n
Polling officials shall verify identity and registration without discrimination and record the issue of a ballot or activation of a vote, not the voter\u2019s choice. Safeguards shall prevent repeat voting while permitting provisional ballots where eligibility is disputed.<\/p>\n
A voter requiring assistance may choose a trusted person or request two different officials, preserving secrecy and without directing the vote. Reasonable arrangements shall be provided for illiteracy, disability and language needs.<\/p>\n
Electronic or postal voting shall be adopted only after independent testing demonstrates identity verification, secrecy, prevention of duplication, auditability and recovery capability. Risks and alternatives shall be published, and the technology provider shall not be solely responsible for certifying the result.<\/p>\n
Counting shall begin immediately after polls close in the presence of agents and observers. Disputed ballots shall be displayed and decisions recorded. Each station\u2019s record shall be signed and include registered voters, votes cast, valid, invalid and spoiled ballots, and discrepancies.<\/p>\n
A ballot shall be valid where the voter\u2019s intention is clear without revealing identity and the permitted number of choices has not been exceeded. It shall not be rejected for immaterial formal errors. The Commission shall determine disputed ballots using uniform criteria.<\/p>\n
A recount shall be conducted upon a reasoned request where the margin falls within the percentage specified in the instructions or a potentially material arithmetic or factual irregularity appears. The recount shall take place in the presence of the parties and be fully documented.<\/p>\n
Preliminary results shall be announced in detail by station and office, including turnout, valid and invalid votes and votes received by each candidate. Results shall become final only after the appeal deadline has expired and material appeals have been determined.<\/p>\n
A tie shall be resolved by a runoff between the tied candidates. If that is impossible or the tie persists, the method prescribed in advance in the instructions shall apply. The leadership may not decide the tie or change the rule after the result becomes known.<\/p>\n
Violations arising during the process shall be reported immediately to the Commission, which may impose proportionate interim measures to protect voting, including suspending campaign material or preserving evidence. A candidate shall not be excluded without a hearing except in urgent danger.<\/p>\n
A candidate or voter with a legitimate interest may appeal within seven days of the preliminary result, stating facts, evidence and relief sought. Opposing parties shall be notified and permitted to respond, and the Appeals Committee shall decide promptly by a reasoned decision.<\/p>\n
A result shall not be annulled for an immaterial procedural violation. Correction, recount, repeat voting in affected stations or annulment of the election may be ordered where a violation is serious and capable of changing the result or undermining the integrity of the process.<\/p>\n
Sanctions shall range from warning, correction and suspension of campaigning to an internal regulatory fine, loss of a benefit, disciplinary referral or cancellation of candidacy for a serious violation, subject to proportionality and rights of defence and appeal.<\/p>\n
Ballots, registers, minutes, digital copies and system logs shall be kept securely for at least one year or until all disputes are resolved, and shall be destroyed only under recorded procedure and independent supervision.<\/p>\n
Within thirty days the Elections Commission shall publish a report on participation, results, complaints, expenditure, observations and recommendations, protecting confidentiality, and present it at the first meeting of the oversight body.<\/p>\n
An Elections Commission independent of the Preparatory Committee shall administer the Founding Convention. The founders\u2019 register shall close after a published objection period. The Preparatory Committee may not change representation or nomination rules after the process begins to benefit its members.<\/p>\n
The elected leadership shall take over its functions, records, funds and data within fifteen days after the results become final, and a handover record shall be signed. An appeal shall not suspend the handover unless the Appeals Committee issues a reasoned interim decision.<\/p>\n
The Elections Commission shall issue registration, nomination, agent, minutes, complaint and financial disclosure forms, without adding substantive conditions contrary to the Constitution or this Regulation.<\/p>\n
This Regulation shall be interpreted to broaden participation and protect freedom of choice, equality of opportunity and the integrity of results. In cases of ambiguity, preference shall be given to the previously published rule that least restricts rights.<\/p>\n
This Regulation shall take effect upon adoption. No electoral provision may be amended during an ongoing electoral period except in circumstances of force majeure, with approval by two-thirds of the competent body and after obtaining the Elections Commission\u2019s opinion, provided that no candidate is discriminated against and no amendment has retrospective effect.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"menu_order":4,"template":"","document_collection":[50],"class_list":["post-217","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\/217","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\/217\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rmsdemo.com\/projects\/sudan-independent-party\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=217"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"document_collection","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rmsdemo.com\/projects\/sudan-independent-party\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document_collection?post=217"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}