To the Middle East Facts visitor - this document was written in 1964,
three years before the so-called "Israeli occupation". Please keep
this in mind when you are reading this constitution - the intent is very
obviously to destroy Israel, not to make peace with it. The articles
that show the intention of the Palestinian Authority and Fatah the best
are articles 12 and 19.
Introduction to the Constitution
The Essential Principles of the
Constitution
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
Dear brother, comrade of the struggle:
This movement is a patriotic and historical responsibility which we all
must shoulder honestly... And let's inspire all those who are faithful to
Palestine with this concerted, patriotic deed... We all must confront
critical times, and tolerate mishaps patiently... We all must sacrifice
ourselves, our effort and time; these are the weapons of honest patriots.
Don't, therefore, dear brother bring your march to a halt!
Proceed in your march, armed with the patriots' resolution, the true
believers' determination, and the fighters' patience... Our people are in
need of every second after our case has taken that long... Let's not forget
for a while that our enemy is strong, and that the fight is fierceful and
long... Consequently, determination, patience, confidentiality, commitment,
and abiding by the revolution's goals and principles keep our march
unremittingly steady and makes our road to victory much shorter.
Proceed, then my brother, forward... to the revolution.
Long live Palestine, a free Arab state.
"FATEH"
Introduction to the Constitution
The significance of this constitution stems from its being an application
of the principles of our struggle, the pedestal of the Movement. It is also
an expression of the Movement's conception of its relationships with other
movements and organisations, as it is the disciplinary framework which
dictates and organises the relationships among its members in a way that
maintains its path and the revolution's future.
This constitution revolves around the following principles:
1. The armed revolution we are waging has been set into orbit by the
principle that it is a public revolution, and not one of a distinguished
class, and that the public is capable of practising struggle efficiently and
conscientiously. The public is also the true protector of the revolutionary
organisation. This organisation has satisfied the intimate relationship
between the revolution and the public via the hierarchical structure of the
Movement in which the public constitutes its solid, wide base.
With this view of the public's role in mind, the role of the organised
base in the Movement is crystallised. The Movement is in close contact with
the public, sharing their cares and worries and inspired by their
aspirations. The public is, therefore, the sole source of authorities and
the sole, honest guardian of the Movement. It is also the only party
authorised to take decisive decisions, and to elect the leadership at all
levels. This takes place through direct election at varying levels due to
maintaining secrecy, and because of the state of geographical dispersion
suffered by our Palestinian people.
2. The elected leadership assumes its responsibilities on the basis of
the democratic centrality principle which warrants commitment of the lower
ranks to the higher ranks' decisions. The leadership is, in turn, held
accountable to its conferences and councils. Higher leaderships assume a
pivotal responsibility which embodies the utter unity of the organisation in
different districts and institutions.
3. The Movement encourages freedom of expression and criticism within the
disciplinary frameworks. This is a sacred right for all members, and no
authority can deny them it. Any view or criticism within the disciplinary
principles should not be taken as an indictment against a member afterwards.
Free expression is the only guarantee to prevent the leaderships from
committing mistakes or going astray, and it is the only effective method to
convey the public opinion via the different bases to the Movement's
leaderships.
4. The Movement firmly believes in self-criticism by all members in
general and by those in authority in particular. This is important in order
to attain the goal of free criticism and expression, to put an end to
continual erring, and to spell out readiness to benefit from public and self
criticism. By so doing, the Movement's experience will be very much
developed and its path will be made much clearer.
5. In its determination on liberation and bringing about historical
social changes, the Movement attempts to launch the revolutionary moral
values which are on a bar with our struggle, and to create the feeling of
human dignity. To this effect, the Movement tries to liberate the individual
from all social ills, especially the discrimination women face, the thing
that hinders their potentials and effective contributions at all
disciplinary levels. This entails that the relationships among members be
objective and based on the Movement's principles and constitutions.
Relationships based on personal interests have no place whatsoever. The
Movement, consequently, treats all members on equal footing as far as their
essential obligations are concerned, and it offers equal opportunity to all
faithful and active members to occupy leading positions. And while it is
keen on maintaining its path, it is keen as well to get an utmost benefit
from its experiences to enrich its ideology and develop its infrastructure.
6. Through its struggle, the Movement endeavours to mobilise the public
in order to gain the necessary support. This task should be handled by its
members. It, therefore, spares no effort to make its members set examples
for others to attract the public and consolidate their faith in and loyalty
to the revolutionary organisation. As a result, the member has to lead a
revolutionary and exemplary life which is based on loyalty, discipline,
credibility, modesty, self-denial and altruism. At the same time, he must
demonstrate the highest degree of pride, rejection of reality and conformity
to the Movement's principles.
The Essential Principles of the
Constitution
1. "FATEH" is a national, revolutionary movement and its
membership is top confidential.
2. The Revolution is for all the people who actively participate in it,
and the Movement is its leading revolutionary organisation, and hence it is
the organisational force and its sole proprietor which has the right to
direct its orientation.
3. The Movement constitutes one unified body which has one leadership.
The rights, obligations and responsibilities are equally distributed among
its members according to the Movement's principles and laws.
4. Collective leadership is the sole method of the Movement. This implies
the following:
a. Democracy is the basis of discussion, investigation and
decision-taking at all organisational levels.
b. Democratic centrality is the basis of handling responsibilities, and
this involves concerted work, thinking and political participation in the
Movement.
c. Criticism and self-criticism are the basis of rectification, and
punishment is not an end in itself but a means for assessment and
development.
d. The minority must conform to the majority's view, and those in lower
ranks have to abide by the decisions of those in higher ranks in order to
achieve discipline and unified organisation which should have a unified
vision, ideology and practice.
e. The Movement firmly believes in sacred membership and freedom of the
individual, and rejects vengeance, as it firmly believes in the right of any
citizen to participate in the Revolution and totally rejects nullifying this
right unless it can be a hazard that threatens the Movement's process and
security.
CHAPTER ONE
Principles... Goals.... Methods
The Movement's Essential Principles
Article (1) Palestine is part of the Arab World, and the
Palestinian people are part of the Arab Nation, and their struggle is part
of its struggle.
Article (2) The Palestinian people have an independent
identity. They are the sole authority that decides their own destiny, and
they have complete sovereignty on all their lands.
Article (3) The Palestinian Revolution plays a leading
role in liberating Palestine.
Article (4) The Palestinian struggle is part and parcel
of the world-wide struggle against Zionism, colonialism and international
imperialism.
Article (5) Liberating Palestine is a national
obligation which necessities the materialistic and human support of the Arab
Nation.
Article (6) UN projects, accords and reso, or those of
any individual cowhich undermine the Palestinian people's right in their
homeland are illegal and rejected.
Article (7) The Zionist Movement is racial, colonial and
aggressive in ideology, goals, organisation and method.
Article (8) The Israeli existence in Palestine is a
Zionist invasion with a colonial expansive base, and it is a natural ally to
colonialism and international imperialism.
Article (9) Liberating Palestine and protecting its holy
places is an Arab, religious and human obligation.
Article (10) Palestinian National Liberation Movement, "FATEH",
is an independent national revolutionary movement representing the
revolutionary vanguard of the Palestinian people.
Article (11) The crowds which participate in the
revolution and liberation are the proprietors of the Palestinian land.
Goals
Article (12) Complete liberation of
Palestine, and eradication of Zionist economic, political, military and
cultural existence.
Article (13) Establishing an independent democratic
state with complete sovereignty on all Palestinian lands, and Jerusalem is
its capital city, and protecting the citizens' legal and equal rights
without any racial or religious discrimination.
Article (14) Setting up a progressive society that
warrants people's rights and their public freedom.
Article (15) Active participation in achieving the Arab
Nation's goals in liberation and building an independent, progressive and
united Arab society.
Article (16) Backing up all oppressed people in their
struggle for liberation and self-determination in order to build a just,
international peace.
Method
Article (17) Armed public revolution is the inevitable
method to liberating Palestine.
Article (18) Entire dependence on the Palestinian people
which is the pedestal forefront and on the Arab Nation as a partner in the
fight, and realising actual interaction between the Arab Nation and the
Palestinian people by involving the Arab people in the fight through a
united Arab front.
Article (19) Armed struggle is a
strategy and not a tactic, and the Palestinian Arab People's armed
revolution is a decisive factor in the liberation fight and in uprooting the
Zionist existence, and this struggle will not cease unless the Zionist state
is demolished and Palestine is completely liberated.
Article (20) Achieving mutual understanding with all the
national forces participating in the armed struggle to attain the national
unity.
Article (21) Revealing the revolutionary nature of the
Palestinian identity at the international level, and this does not
contradict the everlasting unity between the Arab Nation and the Palestinian
people.
Article (22) Opposing any political solution offered as
an alternative to demolishing the Zionist occupation in Palestine, as well
as any project intended to liquidate the Palestinian case or impose any
international mandate on its people.
Article (23) Maintaining relations with Arab countries
with the objective of developing the positive aspects in their attitudes
with the proviso that the armed struggle is not negatively affected.
Article (24) Maintaining relations with all liberal
forces supporting our just struggle in order to resist together Zionism and
imperialism.
Article (25) Convincing concerned countries in the world
to prevent Jewish immigration to Palestine as a method of solving the
problem.
Article (26) Avoiding attempts to exploit the
Palestinian case in any Arab or international problems and considering the
case above all contentions.
Article (27) "FATEH" does not interfere
with local Arab affairs and hence, does not tolerate such interference or
obstructing its struggle by any party.
CHAPTER TWO
Organisational Rules and Principles
Commitment ... Discipline ... Centrality...
Democracy...
Public and Self-Criticism
In its organisational work, the Movement depends on the following rules
and principles:
First: Commitment. This means:
Article (28) a. Firm belief in the case and the
Movement's objectives and utter readiness to sacrifice for its sake till
victory.
b. Complete adherence to the Movement's political line.
c. Complete conformity to the Movement's political program and to the
decisions of its conferences and constitutions.
d. Complete commitment to the Movement's decisions and defending its
attitudes.
Second: Discipline. This means:
Article (29) a. Abiding by the terms of the essential
constitution and its organisational regulations,
b. Conforming to the organisational decisions of the leading committees,
c. Carrying out the orders meticulously and enthusiastically, and
adherence of lower ranking members to the decisions, orders and guidance of
higher ranking members,
d. Abstaining from negotiating internal issues outside organisational
sessions and the Movement frameworks,
e. Abstaining from making individual decisions or taking temperamental
attitudes, and
f. Adherence to organisational hierarchy.
Third: Central Democracy: This means
Article (30) a. Central planning, leadership and
surveillance, but not central execution, freedom of discussion and the right
of participating in making decisions and recommendations within the
organisational frameworks.
b. Realising democratic centrality by adopting the following
organisational methods:
1. Electing leaderships through the conferences outlined in
article: 42, items: d and e; article: 52;
article: 65, item: e; article: 83, item: d,
2. Practising collective leadership,
3. Adherence of the minority to the majority's view,
4. Adherence of lower ranking members to the higher ranking members'
decisions,
5. Freedom of discussion and right of participation within the
organisational frameworks,
6. Submitting reports to the electors about the leaderships' activities
at every session, and
7. Periodic reporting to higher units about all the activities carried
out by lower units.
Fourth: Public and Self-Criticism:
Article (31) This is one of the cornerstones according
to which the revolutionary practices are evaluated in order to emphasise
their positive results and circumvent their negative effects. This equally
warrants the Movement's faultless process and the practice of public and
self-criticism by all members and leaderships within the organisational
frameworks.
Fifth: Organisational rules and principles are realised by the
following methods:
Article (32) 1. When convened, the Movement's
conferences (General Conference, District Conference, Region Conference) are
the highest leading authority, each according to its speciality and
jurisdictions outlined in the constitution. And they have the sole authority
to elect the leading committees, plan their activities, and observe and
question their practices.
2. Practising collective leadership via the committees' work, for each
committee from top to bottom has to undertake its tasks on the basis of its
being a complementary unit collaborating with other units in assuming its
responsibilities, and that all issues must be rationally discussed through
the committees and units and that all decisions must be taken in light of
the legal majority.
3. The leaderships should conform to the conferences and the lower ranks
to the higher ranks.
4. Achieving equality among members by their adherence to the Movement's
essential constitution, regulations and decisions, and considering
competence, faithfulness and sacrifice as the criteria for judging members
and climbing the organisational ladder.
CHAPTER THREE
Membership
Types... Requirements... Obtaining... Rights...
Continuity
Article (33) a. The Movement's membership is a right for
every Palestinian or Arab who possesses the necessary requirements, firmly
believes in liberating Palestine, and demonstrates utter commitment to the
Movement's essential constitution, political program, regulations and its
political and organisational decisions.
b. Membership can be granted to a friend who has decided to be committed
to the Movement according to a decision by the Central Committee.
Types of Membership
Article (34) There are three categories of membership:
1. Full member:
a. This is the membewho has successfully completed the trial period, and
is accordingly assignas a supporter. His membership as an active member is
confirmed by a decision of the Regional Committee or upon nomination by the
leading organisational frameworks in the central authorities and upon
consent of the Mobilisation and organisation office.
2. Military member: is one who has a revolutionary record. This is a
member of the special organisational wing (Asifa) according to a special
regulation offered by the Central Committee and verified by the
Revolutionary Council.
b. Organiser: is one who obtains membership by a direct decree of the
Central Committee, and he does not climb the organisational ladder. Once he
is converted into an active member, his membership should not exceed the
District Committee.
c. Supporter: is one who is nominated to join the Movement and his
membership is subject to the following conditions:
1. He should meet the membership requirements outlined in Article
(35) except item (g) concerning the oath,
2. He should be recommended by two members who have joined the Movement
for at least two years,
3. He should successfully pass a six-month trial and preparatory period
during which he has to grasp the theoretical principles of the Movement and
should enthusiastically perform his assignments. This equally applies to
serving in the "Asifa" forces.
Requirements of Membership
Article (35) A member in the Movement should meet the following
requirements:
a. He must not be below 17 years of age; cadets, flowers and youth have
special membership regulations,
b. He must have good reputation and national credibility,
c. He must respect the people and their traditions, serve them and
protect their interests and security,
d. He must be independent, not committed to any other organisation or
party,
e. He must have leading qualifications and demonstrate a reasonable
amount of awareness and ability to assume responsibility, and have an
amicable personality,
f. He must have sufficient readiness to sacrifice, self-denial and
altruism,
g. He must take the following oath:
(By Allah, the almighty and by my honour and beliefs I swear to remain
faithful to Palestine, and to spare no effort to liberate it; I swear not to
disclose any of the Movement's (FATEH) secrets and affairs;
this is a free oath, to which God bears witness.)
Obtaining Membership
Article (36) Members are accepted in the Movement on an
individual basis according to their competence and readiness to work and
sacrifice.
Rights of Membership
Article (37) The Movement's member has the following
rights:
a. To enjoy all the rights cited in this constitution,
b. To have the same and equal rights and obligations as all other
members,
c. To climb the organisational ladder according to the terms of this
constitution and on the basis of competence, efficiency and faithfulness,
d. To have complete freedom of criticism, objection, protest, discussion,
negotiation and inquiry only within the organisational sessions,
e. To criticise and cross-question any leading member within the
organisational hierarchy,
f. If accused or cross-questioned, to defend himself in front of the
leading committees and authorities, as well as surveillance and
investigation committees,
g. To get a written reply for his queries in a month's time at the
latest,
h. To enjoy protection, viz. he should not be fired, neglected or frozen
unless he is tried and convicted by one of the Movement's courts,
i. To have the right to meet high leaderships including the Central
Committee if the need arises, and
j. To have an organisational rank unless serving an organisational
punishment, and his organisational ranks should appear in his record since
his admission into the Movement as an active member.
Obligations of Membership
Article (38) The Movement's member has to undertake the
following obligations:
a. Constant and unrelenting struggle to achieve the Movement's principles
and goals,
b. Complete commitment to and application of the Movement's political
line and program,
c. Application of the political constitution and carrying out all
decisions conscientiously and meticulously,
d. Maintaining the Movement's organisational and ideological unity, and
opposing all factions,
e. Constant and studious work to theoretically and practically elevate
his education and experience,
f. Attending all meetings and paying subscriptions regularly,
g. Setting an example in altruism, courage, faithfulness, sacrifice,
patience, perseverance and self-denial,
h. Continual work to maintain strong relationships with the public and to
win their respect and confidence, and to constantly disseminate the
Movement's principles and to consolidate the public's relationships with
them,
i. Practising public and self-criticism, and playing an active role in
the organisational sessions and in the public and organisational work,
j. Constant alertness concerning the enemy's activities and the
Revolution's opposing forces,
k. Keeping the Movement's secrets at the individual, committee and
formation levels, and utilising appropriate confidential methods in his
work,
1. Maintaining a uniform method in work, and renouncing all individual
and temperamental ones,
m. Adhering to the organisational hierarchy, and respecting the decisions
of higher committees,
n. Fighting personal deceit, laziness, and temperatmental relaxation as
well as all harmful practices,
o. Serving the public conscientiously and faithfully, and
p. Being ready to carry out the Movement's orders to fulfil his
revolutionary obligations as required.
Continuity, Suspension and Cancellation of
Membership
Article (39) a. Membership continues as long as the
member continues to fulfil his tasks and obligations,
b. Membership is suspended if the member stops to fulfil his tasks for
three consecutive months without reasonable any excuse, or if the member
requests that. Membership cannot be resumed without a decision by the
District Committee for district members or by the Central Committee for
others,
c. Membership is cancelled if a decision to this effect is taken by the
concerned committee as a result of some behavioural, political or
organisational violation which entails this and determines the authority
entitled to cancel the membership according to the penalty system.
The General Conference
Article (40) The Movement's general conference is made
up of:
a. Members of the Revolutionary Council,
b. 11 district representatives elected in the district conferences
according to the number of areas meeting the requirements cited in this
constitution and endorsed by the Mobilisation and organisation Office.
c. 11 representatives of the districts whose conferences cannot be
convened for security purposes or failing to have quorum; such conditions
are decided by the Central Committee. Those representatives are selected
upon recommendation by the Mobilisation and Organisation Office to the
Central Committee according to the organisational population.
d. District commissioners whose membership has lasted for at least ten
years, and who have been appointed by a decree from the Central Committee.
e. Members of the General Military Council in the Palestinian National
Liberation Army, especially "Asifa" forces, whose set-up is outlined in the
regulation appended to this constitution, and according to the decisions of
the third and fourth conferences. In addition, at most 20 distinguished
persons from those military forces should be nominated by the General
Leadership and endorsed by the Central Committee, with the proviso that they
in all should not exceed 514 of the entire population of the conference.
f. 75 "FATEH" members who are assigned duties in various
departments in the independent State of Palestine and Palestine Liberation
Organisation and other national and international organisations. Their
membership should be through their organisational units and upon nomination
by the Mobilisation and Organisation Office and ratified by the Central
Committee. Their membership should not be below a district committee member.
g. 50 Members public organisations recommended by the Movement central
offices and confirmed by the MobilOrganisation Office and by a decree from
the Central Committee. Their membership should not be below a district
committee member.
h. 75 members of the leading bodies of central panels according to their
regulations attached to this constitution. Their membership should not be
below a district committee member.
i. 30 representatives of the Movement's members with the proviso that
their membership is not below a district committee member.
Article (41) Requirements of the Conference Membership:
a. Membership in the General Conference has a representative nature as
spelled out in article (40).
b. A member in the conference should have a five-year active membership
in the Movement.
c. He should have a clean record.
Article (42) Conference Jurisdictions
When convened, the conference is the highest authority, and it is
entitled to perform the following tasks:
a. Discussing the reports, decisions and duties of the Central Committee,
and the activities of the Movement departments and institutions,
b. Endorsing the essential constitution and making any necessary
modifications upon recommendation by two thirds of the present members,
c. Confirming the Movement constitutional regulations, and the political
and military programs and plans,
d. Electing the members of the Central Committee by secret voting,
e. Vote of no confidence for all or some members of the Central Committee
upon recommendation by two thirds of the present members,
f. Electing the Head of the Financial Supervision Committee and the Head
of the Movement Supervision Committee, and protecting membership with the
proviso they meet the requirements of the Revolutionary Council membership,
and
g. Electing the required number for the Revolutionary Council by secret
voting.
Article (43) Holding the Conference
a. The Central Committee calls for a regular session once every five
years, and the meeting can however be put off for exceptional circumstances
by a Revolutionary Council decision.
b. Upon receiving the invitation, the conference holds an unusual session
within two weeks at the latest if more than two thirds of the Revolutionary
Council members deem it necessary or upon request by the Central Committee.
The agenda should include the topics that necessitated the session.
c. Sessions are deemed legal if two thirds of the members are present,
provided that all members have been informed in writing two weeks prior to
the meeting. If quorum is not maintained, the meeting will be put off two
days, and then convened if more than half of the members are present.
The General Council
Article (44) The General Council is made up of no more
than 250 members of the General Conference according to the following:
a. Members of the Central Committee and the Revolutionary Council,
b. A number of district commissioners and organisational leaderships,
c. A number of military leaderships,
d. A number of the Movement's members,
e. A number of the Movement's members working in the Organisation
department,
f. A number of public leaderships, and
g. A number of the Movement's efficient members.
Article (45) The number of members in the previous
article is determined by a Central Committee's decision
which has to be endorsed by the Revolutionary Council.
Article (46) The General Council has the jurisdictions
of an exceptional general conference according to a special system suggested
by the Revolutionary Council.
Article (47) The General Council is held upon a decision
of the Central Committee and approval of the Revolutionary Council which
prepares the agenda.
The Revolutionary Council
Article (48) The Revolutionary Council constitutes the
following:
a. Members of the Central Committee,
b. Head of the Financial Supervision Committee and Head of the Movement
Supervision and Membership Protection Committee,
c. 50 members elected by the General Conference from its members provided
that each member has 30% of the electors' votes,
d. At most 20 members representing the Military Council of "FATEH"
according to the special charter of "Asifa",
e. At most 15 highly competent persons selected by two thirds of the
Central Committee members,
f. A number of the leaderships in the occupied territories, not part of
the quorum, and nominated by the Revolutionary Council,
g. 5 members from other territories who are part of the quorum when
attending the meetings, nominated by two thirds of the Central Committee
members, and
h. At most 15 controllers from the Movement's competent members,
nominated by the Central Committee and endorsed by the Revolutionary
Council.
Article (49) A nominee for the Revolutionary Council has
to have been a district committee member or a member of other equivalent
forces and institutions for at least 10 consecutive years.
Article (50) Jurisdictions:
When convened between two sessions of the General Conference, the
Revolutionary Council is the highest authority in the Movement. Its
jurisdictions are:
a. Following up and executing of the General Conference decisions,
b. Monitoring the operation of the central departments and the Movement's
conditions in different districts,
c. Monitoring the Movement military affairs which do not run counter to
top confidentiality,
d. Discussing the Central Committee's decisions, operations and reports,
and taking appropriate decisions accordingly,
e. Adequately interpreting the terms and regulations of the essential
charter in case a dispute in this respect arises,
f. Electing members of the Financial Supervision Committee and those of
the Movement Supervision Committee via secret voting within six months at
the latest, and
g. Discussing the reports of the committees emanating from the General
Conference and taking appropriate decisions in this respect.
Article (51) At the beginning of its session, the
Revolutionary Council elects from among its members a secretariat consisting
of a secretary and two deputies via secret voting. The secretary should be a
full-timer and should not be a member of the Central Committee.
Article (52) The Revolutionary Council devises its bylaw
which is approved by the majority of members.
Article (53) In case quorum is not maintained in the
Central Committee, the Revolutionary Council is called to meet within two
weeks to elect two thirds of its members by secret voting in order to
maintain quorum.
Article (54) If vacancies in the Central Committee are
not occupied within three months, the Revolutionary Council is called to an
emergency session during which vacancies are occupied by its members through
secret voting, provided that each candidate should be elected by absolute
majority.
Article (55) Vacancies in the Revolutionary Council are
occupied by competent members who meet the requirements of the Revolutionary
Council membership.
Article (56) The Revolutionary Council is entitled to
fire or freeze one or more offending members of the Central Committee, and
this is decided by two thirds of the members provided that the number of
fired or frozen members does not exceed one third.
Article (57) The Revolutionary Council is entitled to
fire or freeze one or more of its members if an offence is committed, and
this is decided by the majority of two thirds of its members.
Article (58) The Revolutionary Council holds regular
sessions once every three months upon an invitation by its secretary, and it
can hold exceptional sessions upon a decision by the Central Committee or a
written request addressed to its secretary by two thirds of its members.
Article (59) Quorum is maintained if two thirds of the
Revolutionary Council members are present provided that they have been
officially notified three days prior to the meeting, and if quorum is not
maintained the Council will convene by absolute majority 24 hours after the
set date.
Article (60) Decisions of the Council are made by the
absolute majority of the present members except in cases otherwise stated,
and voting is by raising hands unless the Council decides otherwise.
The Financial Supervision Committee and the
Movement
Supervision and Membership Protection Committee
Article (61) Heads of these committees are elected directly
by the Conference upon nominating some of the candidates by the Central
Committee.
Article (62) A special charter for each committee is
devised and is endorsed by the Revolutionary Council in its first session
after submitting it.
The Central Committee
Article (63) a. The Central Committee is made up of 21
members as follows:
1. 18 members from the Conference elected by secret voting.
2. 3 members appointed by the Central Committee provided that they get
two thirds of the votes.
3. An additional number of the occupied territories leaderships, not part
of the quorum, nominated determined by the Revolutionary Council.
b. The Central Committee selects a political office from its members with
the proviso that they do not exceed 11 members.
c. The Central Committee determines the jurisdictions of the political
office in its internal charter.
d. All members of the Central Committee have equal rights, obligations
and responsibilities.
e. The Commander-in-Chief chairs the Central Committee meetings and runs
its sessions' in accordance with the regulations of its internal charter.
Article (64) The Central Committee selects a secretary
and two deputies from its members.
Article (65) A candidate to the Central Committee should
have been a member in the Movement for at least 15 consecutive years, and he
should have served as a secretary of a district committee or any equivalent
job in the departments and forces, and he should obtain 49% of the votes.
Article (66) The Central Committee convenes at least
once a month to discuss the performance of all Movement departments and
issue the necessary decisions and recommendations. Each of its members
should be responsible for what he has been practising during the period
between meetings. Exceptional sessions can be convened when the need arises.
Article (67) The Central Committee is unanimously in
charge of all the Movement's activities.
Article (68) Quorum is maintained if two thirds of the
members are present, and once this is impossible, the meeting holds if half
+ one of the members attend 24 hours after the assigned date.
Article (69) Decisions of the Central Committee are
taken by absolute majority unless otherwise stated in the essential
constitution.
Article (70) Vacancies in the Central Committee are
occupied for death, dismissal, resignation or handicap purposes by members
of the Revolutionary Council provided that they obtain two thirds of the
votes. The elected member should be performing his duties during the period
from the conference to the time of employment.
Responsibilities of the Central Committee
Article (71) The Central Committee assumes its
responsibilities as the executive body of the General Conference. These
responsibilities are as follows:
a. Carrying out the decisions and the political, organisational, military
and financial plans of the General Conference and the Revolutionary Council
as well as executing the political program endorsed by the General
Conference,
b. Discussing the disciplinary violations and misapplication of the
essential constitution and taking the appropriate procedures,
c. Undertaking daily operations and directing the internal, external,
political, military and financial policies of the Movement as well as
practising leadership responsibilities in all aspects,
d. Leading the Movement in all public and official Palestinian, Arab and
international affairs,
e. Maintaining solidarity within the Movement and applying the essential
constitution,
f. Calling the General Conference to convene, preparing its agenda and
submitting detailed written reports about all its activities,
g. Supervising issuance of the Movement data, newsletters and studies,
h. Setting up the Movement security court, devising its internal charter
and endorsing and verifying its terms. In case of a death penalty,
verification is maintained by two thirds of the votes,
i. Endorsing appointment of the Military Council members who are
nominated by the Commander-in-Chief by two thirds of the votes. Re-voting is
handled ones a year,
j. Endorsing appointment of members of leading bodies of the central and
administrative departments and the Movement central offices by two thirds of
the votes. Re-voting is carried out once a year,
k. Appointing qualified members and controllers as cited in the
constitution by two thirds of the votes, and
l. Naming "FATEH" members in the Palestinian National
Council.
Article (72) The Central Committee devises a special
internal charter to organise its operations within three months at the
latest.
Article (73) During its meeting after the General
Conference, the Central Committee distributes tasks on its members according
to the specific specialisations determined in the internal charter which
includes all activities and responsibilities.
CHAPTER FOUR
Areas
Article (93) The term "area" is given to the base
organisation which consists of at least four branches. An area maintains
this capacity according to a decision by the Mobilisation and Organisation
Office and upon a recommendation of the district committee.
First: The Area Conference
Formation:
Article (94) The area conference is set up as follows:
a. The area committee members,
b. Members of the branches committees,
c. Members of the area committee during the previous conference,
d. Five active members nominated by the area and endorsed by the district
committee if it deems necessary, and
e. A representative of each of the public organisations in the area.
Jurisdictions:
Article (95) The area conference assumes the following
jurisdictions:
a. Discussing the decisions and operations of the area committee, and
calling its members to account,
b. Discussing the circumstances of the organisation in the area,
c. Discussing general issues in the Movement and the district, and
submitting the necessary recommendations, and
d. Electing five of the area conference members by direct secret voting
provided that their membership has lasted for at least three years. The
district committee is entitled to add two other members when necessary.
Article (96) The district committee selects the
secretary of the area committee from the elected members.
Article (97) a. The area conference convenes once
biannually, and it should meet before the district conference.
b. It can hold emergency sessions upon a decision by the area committee
and the approval of the district committee.
Article (98) In areas where elections are impossible for
security circumstances or failure to meet the organisational requirements,
the district committee nominates a list of the area committee members which
will be endorsed by the Mobilisation and Organisation Office.
Requirements of the Area Conference
Article (99) a. Membership in the area conference is
contingent upon the representational quality cited in article
(94).
b. The member should have a clean record.
Second: The Area Committee
Article (100) The area committee holds weekly meetings,
chaired by the area secretary. According to circumstances, emergency
sessions can be held, and they follow the terms cited in the meetings of the
district committee as regards quorum and voting.
Jurisdictions
Article (101) The area committee assumes its
jurisdictions in its capacity as the executive leadership in the area. Such
jurisdictions are similar to those of the district committwithin the area
boundary.
Article (102) After a legal investigation, the district
committee is entitled to freeze or revoke the membership of amost two of the
area committee members. And if there is a need to freeze or revoke the
membership of more than two members, the district conference is called to an
emergency meeting to elect a new area committee.
Article (103) If an organisational necessity arises, the
area committee can make any change in the committees of wings, chains and
cells.
Article (104) The area committee appoints secretaries of
cells, chains and wings, but secretaries of branches are appointed by the
district committee upon nomination by the area committee.
CHAPTER FIVE
The Movement Leading Organisations
Part Two
District Conference... District Committee... Area
Conference
Area Committee
Article (74) a. The term district is given to any branch
of the organisation within the boundary of a country. A district includes
three organisational areas or more which meet the requirements cited in this
constitution.
b. A district consists of organisational areas which have a hierarchical
structure including branches, wings, chains and cells.
c. The organisational unit which exists in unfavourable conditions does
not have to follow this hierarchy after having approval from the
Mobilisation and Organisation Office.
d. The leading committee of any organisational unit has the appropriate
leading rank according to the number of its members in the district. It
directly follows the Mobilisation and Organisation Office, and it has the
responsibilities of a district committee.
e. An organisational rank can be gradually promoted to a leading
committee or any of the base organisations in districts where the sufficient
number necessary to constitute an area is not available in order to set up
an area with all its branches. This takes place in view of seniority,
efficiency and activity and upon a decision by the Mobilisation and
Organisation Office.
f. The cell is the basic organisational unit in the Movement.
Article (75) New cells are set up upon the approval of
the district committee and the nomination of the area committee. In case
there is not a district committee, a cell can be formed according to a
decision by the concerned leading committee in the respective district.
Article (76) a. Militia is the armed organisation within
the base framework as outlined in article (91).
b. Militia forces are formed in the districts which have favourable
conditions.
c. The leadership and formation of militia is subject to the military
laws of "Asifa".
d. The General Leadership of "Asifa" forces devises the charter of
militia, and this must be confirmed by the Revolutionary Council.
District Conference
First: Formation:
Article (77) A district conference is formed as follows:
a. Members of district committee,
b. Members of areas committees,
c. One member representing a public organisation in the district which
has a movement office. This member is chosen by the concerned office,
d. Former members of the district committee during the previous
conference with the proviso that it carries out its assigned tasks,
e. A number of active members of the Movement selected by the district
committee provided that the number does not exceed 10%, and
f. One member from each central office in the district working through
the district committee.
Second: Responsibilities:
Article (78) The district conference assumes the
following responsibilities:
a. Discussing the report, decisions and operations of the district
committee, and calling its members to account,
b. Discussing the area conditions, decisions and operations,
c. Devising the organisational and political plans of different tasks and
the external relations with other political authorities, public
organisations, thinkers, politicians and journalistswithin the strategy
endorsed by the General Conference and the Central Committee's decisions,
and
d. Discussing the generissues of the Movement and making the necessary
recommendations.
e. The district committee also elects four thirds of the required number
from whom the Central Committee selects the members of the district
committee while the rest remains as stand-by. In case of a vacancy, the
Central Committee selects the required number form the stand-by members.
Requirements of District Conference Membership
Article (79) a. Membership in the district conference
committee is contingent upon the representational quality cited in
article (77).
b. A member in the district conference should have spent three years at
least as a Movement member.
c. He should maintain a clean record.
Article (80) a. A district conference convenes once
biannually.
b. A district conference can be called to hold an exceptional session
upon decision by the district committee and approval of the Mobilisation and
Organisation Office.
Article (81) In districts, where elections are
impossible to conduct for security purposes or failure to meet the
organisational requirements, the Central Committee can appoint a district
committee and its secretary.
Second: District Committee
Formation:
Article (82) A district committee consists of at least
five and no more than eleven members elected from the district conference
according to item (1), Article (78). The member should have
spent five years as a Movement member.
Meetings:
Article (83) a. A district committee convenes once every
two weeks, and is chaired by the secretary. When the need arises,
exceptional sessions can be held.
b. Quorum is maintained if two thirds of the members are present, and the
meeting can be put off for 24 hours if otherwise, and quorum would be
maintained if half of the members could attend.
c. Decisions of the committee are based on approval of the absolute
majority of the present members.
Jurisdictions:
Article (84) Being the organisational leadership in the
district, a district committee assumes the following jurisdictions:
a. Executing the decisions of higher leaderships,
b. Supervising all institutions and departments in the district,
c. Devising appropriate plans for all activities in the district,
d. Recommending to the Mobilisation and Organisation Office the freezing
or revocation of the membership of at most two of its members provided that
the reasons are spelled out,
e. Leading the district daily affairs,
f. Taking care of the integrity and solidarity of the Movement and
co-ordinating operations among different areas,
g. Calling the district conference to convene, preparing its agenda, and
submitting detailed written reports about all activities in the district to
it, and
h. Preparing the members organisational map, and reporting any emergency
developments to the Mobilisation and Organisational Office once every six
months.
Article (85) After legal investigation, the Central
Committee is entitled to freeze or revoke the membership of one or more of
the district committee members provided that the number does not exceed one
third. And if there is a need to revoke the membership of more than one
third, the district conference should be called to an emergency session.
Article (86) The district committee should report to the
Mobilisation and Organisational Office about a member's moving to another
district after agreeing with him on the means of communication. The report
should include some information about the member and his organisational
rank.
Article (87) Offices of the central departments
undertake their activities in the district through the district committee
and in virtue of their being part of its jurisdictions. Direct expansion of
the central departments offices in the district is banned.
Article (88) Tasks are distributed over the district
committee members in a way that warrants controlling the operations in the
district.
The District Commissioner
Article (89) a. The Central Committee nominates a
commissioner in the districts as it deems necessary. The nominee's rank
should not be lower than a district committee member with a seniority period
of three years.
b. The commissioner assumes the tasks assigned to him by the Central
Committee, and his relationship with the district committee by an internal
regulation issued by the Mobilisation and Organisational Office.
The District Secretary
Article (90) The Central Committee nominates the
secretary from the list elected by the district conference. And he assumes
the following jurisdictions:
a. Calling the district committee to convene and chairing its sessions,
b. Submitting monthly or instant reports to the Mobilisation and
Organisational Office,
c. Following up and executing the decisions, recommendations and
responsibilities of the district committee,
d. Unless it runs counter to the constitution regulations, calling
district conferences to convene,
e. Signing the letters, decisions and orders issued by the district
committee, and
f. Signing paying orders according to the financial regulations.
The District Budget
Article (91) The district budget consists of the
following:
a. Subscriptions,
b. Unconditional donations,
c. Investments and local resources,
d. The budget accredited by the Movement financial office.
Article (92) a. The district budget is determined in a
project submitted by the district committee.
b. The Mobilisation and Organisational Office is entitled to verify it as
stated or modify it as necessary.
CHAPTER SIX
The Movement Base Organisations
Article (105) The Movement base organisations include
the following:
a. The Cell. It consists of three two five members including the
secretary.
b. The Chain. It consists of two five cells.
c. The Wing. It consists of two to five chains.
d. The Branch. It consists of two to five wings.
e. The Area. It consists of at least four branches.
Article (106) In districts where security conditions are
unfavourable, the district committee or the one assuming this role can
overlook this hierarchy and devise an appropriate means of communication
with the district committee. Likewise, the number of cell members can be
lowered to two as the individual method can be followed provided that the
Mobilisation and Organisation Office approves that.
Obligations of Base Organisations
Article (107) a. Providing members with a revolutionary
education, consolidating their commitment and discipline, developing their
awareness and experiences, and enhancing their active participation
according to the programs set by the Mobilisation and Organisation Office,
b. Carrying out their tasks enthusiastically, and sparing no effort to
achieve the Movement's objectives and embodying its principles,
c. Exerting strenuous efforts to enhance interaction with the public and
winning their respect and confidence,
d. Striving continually within public organisations and maintaining
commitment to their memberships, and
e. Trying hard to protect the Movement and develop its efficiency to
confront and conquer its enemies
Article (108) The area committee, the branch committee,
the wing committee and the cell committee assume the responsibilities of
leadership, each in its organisational capacity in the following matters:
a. Leading its members according to the Movement's political program and
constitution,
b. Embodying the Movement's attitudes and executing its decisions
enthusiastically and fervently,
c. Upgrading its members' awareness and adherence to the Movement,
enhancing their active participation and developing their experiences and
potentials,
d. Developing their military and educational competence,
e. Enhancing their interaction with the public and their readiness to
sacrifice for their sake,
f. Maintaining strong relationships with the public bases and winning
their respect and confidence,
g. Holding brotherly relationships between bases and higher units and
vice versa,
h. Observing paying subscriptions, and monitoring its members'
behavioural and organisational conduct, and ensuring execution of these
tasks,
i. Setting an example in sacrifice, active participation, faithfulness
and team work,
j. Ensuring speed and adequacy in conveying reports, information,
leaflets and others,
k. Paying adequate attention to the members' problems and taking
appropriate initiatives to ensure rapid and revolutionary solutions,
l. Examining the members' work fields and identifying positive and
negative aspects and taking the necessary measures,
m. Calling members to account and criticising them for individualism or
lack of seriousness, and
n. Submitting regular reports about their activities to the higher
committee.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Penalties
Article (109) The organisational penalties aim at:
a. Upgrading the members' morals, and
b. Securing the Movement's integrity and getting rid of corruption.
Article (110) The organisational penalties are:
a. Drawing attention,
b. Rebuke,
c. Warning,
d. Freezing,
e. Rank demotion,
f. Firing,
g. Firing with slander.
Article (111) The organisational violations are four
types:
First: Firing or firing with slander and this applies to :
1. Violation of Unit One of the constitution,
2. Delinquency, and
3. Illegal co-operation with any other non-adversary movement and
disclosing the Movement secrets to it.
Second: Freezing or demoting rank, and this applies to:
1. Violating commitment, and this is realised by:
a. Violating the Movement political line,
b. Violating the Movement political program, and
c. Reluctance to adhere to the Movement's decisions.
2. Violating the membership protection rule,
3. Violating the members' equality rule,
4. Violating the freedom of expression rule, and
5. Violating discipline, and this is applicable to:
a. Violating the constitution,
b. Disrespect of leading authorities' decisions,
c. Rejection of orders execution,
d. Discussing organisational issues outside the units,
e. Disrespect of hierarchy, and
f. Offending the public.
7. Offending other members.
8. Disclosing secrets.
9. Offending reputation.
10. False rumours.
Third: Rebuke or warning, and this applies to:
1. Ceasing to participate in organisational activities without an
acceptable excuse for at most two regular meetings and this period extends
for one month, and
2. Refusal to practice self-criticism when deemed necessary by the
respective unit.
Fourth: Drawing attention or Rebuke, and this applies to:
1. Coming late to a meeting without an excuse,
2. Inadequate practice of self-education, and
3. Demonstrating signs of deceit and laziness.
Article (112) Repetition of violations is a reason for
imposing a stricter penalty. And if the same violations are repeated, the
strictest penalty is imposed. A severer penalty is inflicted if newly
violations art repeated.
Article (113) a. Firing and firing with slander
penalties are imposed by the Central Committee.
b. Rank demotion and freezing penalties are inflicted on area committee
members and secretaries of branches by the Central Committee, the
Mobilisation and Organisation Office and the District Committee. Such
penalties are imposed on branch members or lower ranks by the area
committee.
c. A warning penalty is inflicted by the higher organisational rank.
d. Drawing attention and Rebuke penalties are imposed by all concerned
organisational ranks according to the unit the member belongs to.
Article (114) When considering violations, all concerned
organisational ranks constitute investigation committees prior to passing a
judgement except in case of drawing attention and rebuke penalties.
Article (115) Each penalty can be revised by the rank
immediately higher than the one which has signed it in front of the Central
Committee and it cannot be overruled without a decision by the Revolutionary
Council.
Article (116) It is possible that each penalty is passed
separately or together with other penalties issued by the Movement Court.
Article (117) A sentence for two organisational
penalties due to one violation is impossible.
Article (118) No sentence can be passed without calling
the concerned member to a hearing where he has the right to defend himself
and prove innocent.
Article (119) If the member abstains from showing up in
front of the official committee which investigates the violation, he is
called a second time in a week's time, after that the session takes place
whether or not he attends provided that if he has been informed.
Article (120) Penalised crimes are the concern of the
Movement Revolutionary Judicial Authority, and examined by the Revolutionary
Courts formed by the Central Committee according to article
(71) of the constitution.
CHAPTER EIGHT
General Stipulations
Article (121) The appended regulations, and those
endorsed by the Revolutionary Council and transferred to it by the General
Conference have the same power as the essential constitution with the
proviso that they not contradict it.
Article (122) Membership in the Movement is a sacred
right which can be acquired only by whoever belongs to one of the Movement
leading or base units.
Article (123) Working in the Movement departments is an
added task to the member, which does not entail membership, nor is it a
replacement of an organisational job in any of the organisational ranks.
Similarly, deputising a member to do any task outside the Movement
departments is not a substitute for the Movement organisational framework.
Article (124) During an organisational meeting, any
member has the right to debate before a decision is made. Debate may be
allowed after issuing the decision, and a member has the right to object to
the decision after execution.
Article (125) Each member has to do some minimal
military training and to be completely qualified to undertake his tasks.
Article (126) A member has to be informed in accordance
with requirements of his membership, organisational rank and the job
undertaken.
Article (127) A member who is sacked or is subjected to
some arbitrary act without a decision by a Movement court has the right to
appeal to the Member Protection Committee.
Article (128) Equality among organisational ranks in
committees, offices or executive departments must be taken into account so
that they enjoy equal responsibilities, rights and obligations.
Article (129) Communication with a district committee
member is entrusted to the district committee secretary or one of its
members. A district committee member has to handle any task assigned by the
district committee, and this equally applies to an area committee member in
the respective area boundary.
Article (130) A member of the Central Committee who has
failed in the General Conference elections has the right to maintain his
membership in the Conference and perform any tasks assigned to him by the
Central Committee, and this equally applies to the member of the
Revolutionary Council.
|
