BDP constitution: where does the power reside?

| Wednesday August 19, 2009 00:00

Article 31-Powers and Functions of the Central Committee
31.1 The Central Committee shall have the following powers and functions:
31.1.1 To supervise the day to day implementation of Party Policies and Programmes as directed by the National Council.
31.1.2 To regulate and control activities of all Organs of the Party, subject to the further provisions contained herein, and to set Membership and susbcription fees.
31.1.3 To ensure that records of all party activities are properly kept, including proper accounting records, at all levels of Party Organization.
31.1.4 To summon regular or extra-ordinary meetings of the National Council and National Congress.
31.1.5 To take action to protect the security and development of the Party and the state.
31.1.6 To create and administer such administrative structure at the Party National Headquarters as may facilitate smooth and efficient functioning of the Party.

Article 34 - Powers and Functions of the President
34.1 The President of the Party shall:
34.1.1 Be the principal spokesperson of the Party on National and International affairs.
34.1.2 Convene meetings of the Central Committee.
34.1.3 When the Party is in power, be State President
34.1.4 Preside over meetings of the Central Committee.

Give instructions on any matter to any Official of the Party and empower any member of the Party to exercise any powers or specific functions for and on behalf of the Party or Central Committee as may be valid and lawful.

34.1.5 Have the power in exceptional circumstances, as specified in the Disciplinary rules of the Party, to suspend any member of the Party for up to 60 days on the grounds of such member's behaviour pending action by the Disciplinary Committee.

34.1.6 Preside over the proceedings of the Final Disciplinary Committee comprising four members of the Party appointed by him/her to hear appeals from the Disciplinary Committee of the Central Committee. These members shall not include members of the Central Committee. The decision of the Final Disciplinary Committee shall be final and binding.

Article 33 - Committees of the Central Committee
33.1.1 There shall be working committees of the Central Committee whose members shall be appointed by the President of the Party from among members of the Party in good standing. The President may also appoint an Advisor to each working committee.