Constitution

Article 1. Name, Emblem and Headquarters

1.1. The name of the party is AURIO.

1.2. The emblem of the party shall be determined by the Founding Congress and registered with the Areios Pagos.

1.3. The headquarters of the party is located in Aisymi, Municipality of Alexandroupolis, Regional Unit of Evros, Greece.

1.4. The headquarters may be relocated by decision of the Political Council with a two thirds majority.

Article 2. Principles and Purpose

2.1. AURIO is a political party founded on the principles of evidence based policy, participatory democracy, ecological sustainability, social equality and cultural renewal.

2.2. The purpose of the party is to participate in democratic elections at the local, regional, national and European level, and to advance the principles set out in the AURIO Political Statement and the political programme set out in the AURIO National Manifesto.

2.3. The party commits to the following twelve core policy positions, each grounded in the evidence and scholarship set out in the AURIO Political Statement and Intellectual Framework:

a. Food sovereignty, grounded in the work of Vandana Shiva, Wendell Berry and Miguel Altieri: seed sovereignty, agroecology, local food systems and support for small producers.

b. Community energy, grounded in the work of Elinor Ostrom and Jeremy Rifkin: community owned renewable generation, cooperative governance of shared resources and fair benefit sharing from strategic infrastructure.

c. Local economy, grounded in the work of E.F. Schumacher, Jessica Gordon Nembhard and Kate Raworth: cooperative ownership, anchor procurement, appropriate scale, and economic activity within the social foundation and ecological ceiling.

d. Direct democracy, grounded in the work of Murray Bookchin, Cornelius Castoriadis, Nicos Poulantzas and Yves Sintomer: citizens’ assemblies, participatory budgeting and open governance at the municipal level, where decisions are made by the people affected by them.

e. Education as liberation, grounded in the work of Paulo Freire and the Finnish model documented by Pasi Sahlberg: trust, craft, problem posing pedagogy and equality of outcome.

f. Border region justice, drawing on the Greek thought of Cornelius Castoriadis and Nicos Poulantzas: regions hosting strategic infrastructure for the nation and for Europe receive proportionate community benefit and democratic power over that infrastructure.

g. Culture as infrastructure, grounded in the work of Ivan Illich, Charles Landry and Richard Florida: culture created by communities, not consumed from industries. Supporting local businesses and community organisations to deliver cultural programming as economic infrastructure.

h. European sovereignty and foreign policy, grounded in the work of Amartya Sen and Frantz Fanon: international law applied with principled consistency, development as the expansion of human capabilities, intercontinental cooperation and liberation from internalised cultural hierarchies.

i. European democracy, drawing on the work of Elinor Ostrom and Murray Bookchin applied to European institutions: a Parliament that legislates, subsidiarity in practice, federal democracy and direct regional access to EU funds.

j. Gender parity and anti-racism, grounded in the work of Esther Duflo and Aili Mari Tripp: zebra parity in candidate lists, women in governance evidenced by randomised controlled trial research, and the structural commitment that diversity and inclusion are preconditions for development, not luxuries to follow it.

k. Healthcare as a commons, grounded in the work of Julian Tudor Hart, Michael Marmot and Atul Gawande: a continuing clinical relationship at village and neighbourhood scale, the inverse care law inverted, social determinants of health addressed at source, and informal payment abolished by law.

l. Social security and dignity, grounded in the work of Amartya Sen, Guy Standing and Karl Polanyi: a minimum pension above the poverty line, protection from the precariat condition, and rejection of the commodification of labour, land and money.

2.4. The party rejects all forms of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or social origin.

2.5. The AURIO Political Statement and the AURIO Intellectual Framework set out in detail the philosophical basis of the party and the evidence base of its programme. These documents may be amended only by a two thirds majority of those present and voting at the Congress, or by a two thirds majority of the membership through a party wide ballot.

Article 3. Membership

3.1. Any person who is at least 17 years of age, a citizen of Greece or a legal resident, and who accepts the principles and charter of the party may apply for membership.

3.2. Membership applications are submitted to the General Secretary or a designated membership officer and approved by the local branch or, where no branch exists, by the Political Council.

3.3. Members have the right to:

a. Participate in all party assemblies and congresses.

b. Vote in all elections and decisions within the party.

c. Stand as a candidate for any party office or public election, subject to the procedures in this constitution.

d. Submit proposals, motions and amendments to any party body.

e. Receive information about party activities, finances and decisions.

f. Access party meetings and votes through online and hybrid means as provided for in Article 20.

3.4. Members have the obligation to:

a. Respect the charter, principles and decisions of the party.

b. Participate actively in party life.

c. Pay membership dues as determined by the Congress.

d. Conduct themselves in accordance with the Code of Conduct set out in Article 11.

3.5. Membership is lost by:

a. Written resignation submitted to the General Secretary or designated membership officer.

b. Non payment of dues for a continuous period of twelve months, following written notice.

c. Expulsion by the Disciplinary Committee for serious breach of the charter, the Code of Conduct, or conduct incompatible with the values of the party. The member has the right to appeal to the Congress.

d. Joining or publicly supporting another political party, unless that party appears on the approved dual membership list ratified by the Congress under Article 5.6(h).

3.6. Members consent to the processing of their personal data under the party’s Privacy Policy, in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU 2016/679) and Greek Law 4624/2019. Details are set out in Article 19.

Article 4. Organisational Structure

4.1. The organs of the party are:

a. The Congress (Συνέδριο)

b. The Political Council (Πολιτικό Συμβούλιο)

c. The Executive Committee (Εκτελεστική Επιτροπή)

d. The Party Leader (Πρόεδρος)

e. Local Branches (Τοπικές Οργανώσεις)

f. The Disciplinary Committee (Πειθαρχική Επιτροπή)

g. The Financial Audit Committee (Επιτροπή Οικονομικού Ελέγχου)

h. The Ratification Council (Επικυρωτικό Συμβούλιο)

i. Thinking Schools (Σχολές Σκέψης)

Article 5. The Congress

5.1. The Congress is the supreme decision making body of the party.

5.2. The Congress is composed of all members of the party. Where total membership exceeds 500, the Congress may be composed of elected delegates from local branches, with representation proportional to branch membership. A portion of delegates shall be selected by sortition to ensure broader representation. The method of delegate election and sortition is determined by the Political Council and must ensure equal and democratic representation.

5.3. The Ordinary Congress meets at least once every two years. The date and agenda are announced at least 60 days in advance.

5.4. The Ordinary Congress shall be preceded by a structured deliberative period of not less than six months. During this period, members and local branches submit topics for debate, dialogue is hosted on the party’s online platform and at branch meetings, and motions are refined ahead of the Congress vote. The Political Council, in coordination with the Ratification Council, oversees the deliberative period and ensures equitable access for all branches and members. Standing Orders shall set out the procedures for the deliberative period, including the role of any Positions Committee that curates submissions.

5.5. An Extraordinary Congress may be convened by:

a. Decision of the Political Council.

b. Written request of at least one third of the total membership or one third of local branches.

5.6. The Congress has the authority to:

a. Determine the political programme and strategic direction of the party.

b. Elect the Party Leader.

c. Elect the members of the Political Council.

d. Elect the members of the Disciplinary Committee and the Financial Audit Committee.

e. Amend this constitution.

f. Approve the annual financial report.

g. Decide on any matter of fundamental importance to the party.

h. Ratify the approved list of parties whose members may hold dual membership of AURIO, as recommended by the Political Council.

5.7. Decisions of the Congress are taken by simple majority of those present and voting, except where this constitution requires a qualified majority.

5.8. Quorum for the Congress is one third of the total membership or delegates.

5.9. All members shall have the opportunity to participate in Congress votes through online voting systems, regardless of physical attendance, as provided for in Article 20.

Article 6. The Political Council

6.1. The Political Council is the principal governing body of the party between Congresses.

6.2. The Political Council is composed of the Party Leader, the Deputy Leader, the General Secretary, the Treasurer, between 7 and 15 additional members elected by the Congress, and 2 members selected by sortition in accordance with Article 6.8.

6.3. The Political Council meets at least once every three months. Meetings may be held in person or by electronic means.

6.4. The Political Council has the authority to:

a. Implement the decisions of the Congress.

b. Determine the party’s position on current political issues.

c. Approve candidates for public elections in accordance with Article 16.

d. Manage the financial affairs of the party within the budget approved by the Congress.

e. Establish working groups, policy committees and thematic sections as needed.

f. Convene an Extraordinary Congress.

g. Oversee the work of the Thinking Schools.

h. Maintain and review the list of parties whose members may hold dual membership of AURIO, subject to annual ratification by the Congress.

6.5. Decisions of the Political Council are taken by simple majority of those present and voting. Quorum is one half of members.

6.6. Members of the Political Council serve a term of two years, aligned with the Congress cycle. No member may serve more than three consecutive terms. A former member may stand again after at least one full term out of office.

6.7. Members of the Political Council may be recalled by petition. If 40% of all party members in good standing sign a recall petition within a 28 day petition window, a recall vote shall be held. The recall vote is conducted by secret ballot of all members. A simple majority in favour of recall removes the member from the Political Council. The petition window opens upon submission of a valid petition request to the Disciplinary Committee, which verifies signatures.

6.8. Two seats on the Political Council are filled by sortition from members in good standing for at least 12 months, drawn at random by the Disciplinary Committee using a verifiable random selection process from the official membership register. Sortitioned members serve a single 2 year term aligned with the Congress cycle, may not serve consecutive terms in this capacity, and have full voting rights from the first meeting they attend. Standing Orders shall set out the induction procedure for sortitioned members.

Article 7. The Executive Committee

7.1. The Executive Committee manages the day to day operations of the party.

7.2. The Executive Committee is composed of the Party Leader, the Deputy Leader, the General Secretary, the Treasurer and up to 3 additional members appointed by the Political Council from among its own members.

7.3. The Executive Committee meets as needed and reports to the Political Council at each of its regular meetings.

7.4. Appointed members of the Executive Committee serve for the duration of the Political Council term that appointed them. No member may serve more than three consecutive terms on the Executive Committee.

Article 8. The Party Leader

8.1. The Party Leader is elected by the Congress by secret ballot. Candidates must be members of the party for at least six months prior to the election.

8.2. The Party Leader serves a term of two years, aligned with the Political Council cycle. The Leader may be re elected for up to two additional consecutive terms. A former Leader may stand again after at least one full term out of office.

8.3. The Party Leader:

a. Represents the party publicly and legally.

b. Chairs the Political Council and the Executive Committee.

c. Proposes the Deputy Leader and General Secretary to the Political Council for approval.

d. Is accountable to the Congress and to the Political Council.

8.4. The Party Leader may be removed from office by:

a. A vote of no confidence by the Congress, requiring a two thirds majority of those present and voting.

b. An Extraordinary Congress convened for this purpose.

c. A recall petition signed by 40% of all party members in good standing within a 28 day petition window, triggering a recall vote by secret ballot of all members. A simple majority in favour of recall removes the Leader from office.

8.5. In the event of vacancy, the Deputy Leader assumes the role of Acting Leader until an Extraordinary Congress elects a new Leader within 90 days.

Article 9. Local Branches

9.1. Local branches may be established in any municipality or regional unit where at least 10 party members reside.

9.2. Each local branch elects its own coordinator, secretary, treasurer and representatives by democratic vote of its members at an inaugural all member meeting.

9.3. Local branches:

a. Organise party activity at the local level.

b. Recruit and register new members.

c. Implement the decisions of the Congress and the Political Council at the local level.

d. Send delegates to the Congress where applicable.

e. Submit proposals and resolutions to the Political Council.

f. Run regular public facing community assemblies, open to all residents, to discuss local needs, contribute to policy development and embed the party in the community.

g. Coordinate community organising activity, including cultural events, workshops and civic engagement, in cooperation with local businesses and organisations.

9.4. Local branches operate with autonomy on local matters, provided their actions are consistent with the charter, principles and programme of the party.

9.5. AURIO encourages local branches to practice participatory decision making consistent with the party’s commitment to direct democracy. Branches are encouraged to operate through assemblies open to all local members rather than through closed committees.

9.6. Local branch officers serve a term of one year. No officer may hold the same local position for more than two consecutive terms. Officers may be recalled by a majority vote at an all member meeting of the branch.

9.7. Local branch meetings shall occur at least once per calendar month. All branch members must be invited at least fourteen days before any meeting. Minutes and decisions of all branch meetings shall be made available to branch members.

9.8. An Overseas Branch may be established for Greek citizens residing abroad who retain the right to vote in Greek elections. The Overseas Branch operates under the same rules as domestic branches, adapted for remote participation.

Article 10. The Disciplinary Committee

10.1. The Disciplinary Committee is composed of 3 members elected by the Congress who are not members of the Political Council or the Executive Committee.

10.2. Members of the Disciplinary Committee serve a term of two years, aligned with the Congress cycle. No member may serve more than two consecutive terms.

10.3. The Disciplinary Committee investigates complaints of serious breaches of the charter, the Code of Conduct, or conduct incompatible with the values of the party.

10.4. Before any decision, the member concerned has the right to be heard and to present a defence.

10.5. The Disciplinary Committee may impose the following sanctions:

a. Written warning.

b. Suspension of membership rights for a defined period.

c. Expulsion from the party.

10.6. Decisions of the Disciplinary Committee may be appealed to the Congress, whose decision is final.

10.7. The Disciplinary Committee is also responsible for verifying recall petition signatures under Articles 6.7 and 8.4(c).

Article 11. Code of Conduct and Ethics

11.1. All members shall conduct themselves in a respectful and non abusive manner in all party contexts, including party meetings, events, communications and social media.

11.2. All members shall refrain from language or behaviour that is discriminatory, threatening, harassing or otherwise incompatible with the values set out in Article 2.4.

11.3. Breaches of this Code of Conduct shall be referred to the Disciplinary Committee under Article 10.

11.4. All party officers, members of the Political Council, members of the Executive Committee and elected public office holders of the party shall additionally adhere to a Code of Ethics in Office, which requires:

a. Full transparency in all financial dealings related to their office.

b. Declaration of any conflict of interest before participating in any decision from which they may benefit.

c. No acceptance of gifts, donations or exchanges of services from any individual, business or organisation whose total collective value exceeds 500 euros in a calendar year, other than from the party itself or a local branch.

d. No holding of paid employment or paid consultancy while serving in a senior party office (Party Leader, Deputy Leader, General Secretary, Treasurer) or while holding elected public office on behalf of the party, except where the Political Council grants a specific exemption.

e. No use of party office or public office for personal financial gain.

f. No member of the Political Council, Executive Committee, Disciplinary Committee or Financial Audit Committee may be employed by the party or receive any payment from the party other than reimbursement of documented expenses incurred in the course of party duties. This prohibition applies for the duration of their term and for twelve months after leaving office.

g. Elected public office holders on behalf of the party who receive a salary from that public office shall contribute 10 per cent of their net public office salary to the party. The contribution is paid monthly and published quarterly. The Disciplinary Committee may grant a time limited hardship exemption (not exceeding 12 months at a time, renewable on review) on written application by the office holder, where the contribution would create demonstrable financial hardship.

11.5. Breaches of the Code of Ethics in Office shall be investigated by the Disciplinary Committee. Findings shall be reported to the Political Council and, where the breach involves an elected public office holder, to the relevant local branch.

Article 12. The Financial Audit Committee

12.1. The Financial Audit Committee is composed of 3 members elected by the Congress who are not members of the Political Council, the Executive Committee or the Disciplinary Committee.

12.2. Members of the Financial Audit Committee serve a term of two years, aligned with the Congress cycle. No member may serve more than two consecutive terms.

12.3. The Financial Audit Committee:

a. Reviews the party’s financial accounts and records.

b. Reports to each Ordinary Congress on the accuracy and propriety of the party’s financial management.

c. May request access to any financial document of the party at any time.

12.4. The party’s finances are managed in full compliance with Greek Law 3023/2002 on the financing of political parties.

Article 13. The Ratification Council

13.1. The Ratification Council is a sortition body whose function is to provide a structural check on the Political Council and the Executive Committee, by triggering internal referendums of the membership where decisions of fundamental importance warrant member ratification.

13.2. The Ratification Council is composed of 7 members selected by sortition from members in good standing for at least 12 months. Members serve a single term of 6 months. No member may serve consecutive terms in this capacity.

13.3. The sortition is conducted by the Disciplinary Committee using a verifiable random selection process from the official membership register. The Council shall reflect, where possible, gender parity and geographic spread.

13.4. The Ratification Council has the authority to:

a. Trigger an internal referendum of the membership on any decision of the Political Council or the Executive Committee, by absolute majority vote of its own members.

b. Recommend to the Political Council that a topic be placed on the agenda of the next Ordinary Congress.

c. Issue public statements, addressed to the membership, on the conduct of the party’s elected and appointed bodies.

13.5. The Ratification Council shall trigger at least one internal referendum during each of its terms.

13.6. Internal referendums are conducted by secret ballot of all members through the online voting system. A simple majority of those voting is sufficient to ratify or reject the decision in question, subject to a quorum of one third of the total membership. Decisions ratified or rejected by referendum are binding on all party bodies.

13.7. The Ratification Council shall meet at least once per month and may convene additionally as needed. Meetings may be held by electronic means.

Article 14. Financial Management

14.1. The party’s revenue is derived from:

a. Membership dues.

b. Voluntary donations from natural persons, in compliance with the limits set by law.

c. State funding, where applicable under Greek law.

d. Revenue from party events and publications.

14.2. The party accepts donations from both natural and legal persons within the limits set by Greek Law 3023/2002. All donations are published and accessible to any member.

14.3. The party does not accept anonymous donations.

14.4. The Treasurer maintains full and transparent accounts, available for inspection by any member and by the Financial Audit Committee.

14.5. An annual financial report is presented to the Ordinary Congress and published to all members.

14.6. The party’s financial management complies with all requirements of Greek Law 3023/2002 and any subsequent legislation governing the financing of political parties.

Article 15. Staffing

15.1. The party may employ staff as needed to support its operations, subject to the financial resources available and the budget approved by the Congress.

15.2. All hiring shall follow fair and open recruitment procedures, with strong safeguards against conflicts of interest and nepotism. No member of the Political Council or Executive Committee may be involved in hiring decisions for positions that report to them, except to approve the process.

15.3. The most senior party staff shall report to the Executive Committee on a day to day basis and shall be answerable to the Political Council.

15.4. Party staff shall refrain from factional or partisan political activity internal to the party. Staff may be members of the party but may not hold elected party office while employed.

15.5. Employment terms shall comply with Greek labour law and shall include fair pay, clear job descriptions and transparent reporting lines.

Article 16. Candidates for Public Office

16.1. Any member in good standing may put themselves forward as a candidate for public elections, provided they have been a member of the party for at least six months.

16.2. Candidates are nominated through the following democratic process:

a. The Political Council announces the selection process at least 60 days before the candidate submission deadline, specifying the positions, eligibility requirements and timeline.

b. Candidates must submit a nomination supported by at least 10 members from the relevant local branch or, for national and European elections, from the party membership at large.

c. Where multiple candidates seek nomination for the same position, the local branch shall organise a democratic selection vote of all local members in the relevant constituency, conducted by secret ballot using a single transferable vote system.

d. The Political Council oversees the selection process to ensure fairness and compliance with this constitution but shall not overrule local branch selections for political reasons.

e. Due diligence on candidates shall be limited to matters of personal conduct and legal standing. The local branch shall have a representative on any body conducting due diligence.

16.3. All candidates must commit to the party’s programme and charter.

16.4. All candidate lists for elections at every level shall use the zebra system: alternating men and women, starting from the top of the list. No candidate list that does not comply with this requirement shall be submitted by the party. This commitment is grounded in evidence from Rwanda, Senegal and other countries demonstrating that gender parity in governance produces better outcomes for all citizens.

16.5. The party commits to gender parity in all internal governing bodies. The Political Council, Executive Committee, Disciplinary Committee, Financial Audit Committee and all Thinking School councils shall each maintain a minimum of 40% representation of either gender, with full parity as the target. Where elections produce a body that falls below the 40% minimum, the Political Council shall take corrective action before the next election cycle.

16.6. Elected officials of the party are accountable to the party bodies and to the voters of their constituency. They are expected to maintain regular communication with the local branch and to participate in party assemblies.

16.7. Elected public office holders may be recalled by their local branch. If 40% of branch members in good standing sign a recall petition within a 28 day petition window, a vote shall be held at the appropriate party body on the office holder’s continuation as a representative of the party.

16.8. No member may hold the same elected public office for more than two consecutive terms. A former office holder may stand again for the same position after at least one full term out of that office.

16.9. Elected officials of the party shall vote in accordance with party positions in legislative committee votes, plenary votes and any other formal vote where the party has adopted a published position. Where an elected official cannot in conscience support a party position, they shall vote ‘present’ (or the equivalent abstention) and shall publish a written justification within 48 hours. Voting against a published party position requires prior written dispensation from the Political Council. Repeated unjustified votes against party positions shall be grounds for disciplinary action under Article 10.

Article 17. Thinking Schools and Affiliates

17.1. Thinking Schools are research grounded advisory bodies aligned to the party’s policy pillars. Each Thinking School is anchored in the thinker and evidence base that underpins the corresponding pillar of the AURIO programme, as set out in the Intellectual Framework: Shiva (food), Ostrom (energy), Schumacher (economy), Bookchin (democracy), Freire (education), Illich (culture), Sen (openness), Fanon (cultural liberation), Duflo and Tripp (women in governance).

17.2. Thinking Schools shall be established for each of the party’s policy pillars. Additional Thinking Schools may be created by decision of the Political Council with the approval of the Congress.

17.3. Each Thinking School shall:

a. Conduct and commission research relevant to its policy area.

b. Produce evidence briefs and policy recommendations for the Political Council and Congress.

c. Invite external advisors, academics and practitioners to contribute to its work.

d. Publish its findings for the membership and the public.

17.4. Each Thinking School is governed by a small council of members elected by the Congress, supplemented by invited advisors who are not required to be party members. The council shall maintain the gender parity requirements set out in Article 16.5.

17.5. Thinking Schools feed into the party’s policy development process as set out in Article 18.

17.6. The party may accept affiliations from cooperatives, cultural organisations, community groups and other bodies that align with AURIO’s principles and programme. The terms of affiliation are determined by the Political Council and ratified by the Congress.

17.7. Affiliated organisations may send non voting observers to the Congress and may submit policy proposals through the process set out in Article 18.

Article 18. Policy Development

18.1. Party policy is developed through a structured process that begins with evidence, involves member deliberation and concludes with democratic ratification.

18.2. Local policy development:

a. Local policy proposals may be initiated by any branch member or by a community assembly.

b. The local branch forms a policy working group, which may include branch members, community assembly participants and representatives of local affiliated organisations.

c. The working group produces a policy proposal grounded in evidence, drawing on Thinking School research where relevant.

d. The local branch membership votes to accept, reject or send back the proposal for revision at a branch meeting.

e. Accepted local policies are submitted to the Political Council for information and may be proposed as national policy through the Congress motion process.

18.3. National policy development:

a. National policy proposals are submitted to the Congress as motions, in accordance with the procedures set out in the Standing Orders.

b. Approved motions are developed by a Policy Working Group composed of members elected from the membership and representatives assigned by the Political Council. The relevant Thinking School provides evidence review and advisory input.

c. The Policy Working Group produces a detailed policy document, which is submitted to all members for ratification in an online vote.

d. Members may vote to accept, reject or send back the document for revision.

e. Ratified policies become party policy and are binding on the party’s representatives and public office holders.

18.4. The Political Council may commission urgent policy positions on current affairs between Congresses, drawing on Thinking School advice. Such positions are provisional and must be ratified at the next Congress.

Article 19. Data Protection

19.1. The party shall maintain a Privacy Policy in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU 2016/679) and Greek Law 4624/2019 on the protection of personal data.

19.2. Members consent to the processing of their personal data for the purposes of party membership, communications, elections and governance as described in the Privacy Policy.

19.3. Member data shall not be shared with third parties except where required by law or with the explicit consent of the member.

19.4. All local branches shall have access to the data of members in their area through an official party database, subject to data protection requirements and the Privacy Policy.

19.5. Members have the right to request access to, correction of and deletion of their personal data in accordance with applicable law.

Article 20. Online and Hybrid Participation

20.1. The party is committed to enabling full democratic participation regardless of physical location. Digital tools for deliberation, voting and communication are part of the party’s democratic infrastructure.

20.2. All Congress votes shall be open to all members through secure online voting systems, regardless of physical attendance at the Congress.

20.3. All local branch meetings shall make provision for members to participate remotely via online link. Branches shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure hybrid meetings are fully accessible.

20.4. Internal party elections at all levels shall be conducted through online voting systems, accessible to all eligible members, using secure and verifiable methods.

20.5. The party shall maintain an online platform for year round member engagement, including the submission and discussion of policy proposals, motions and amendments.

20.6. The Political Council is responsible for ensuring that the party’s digital infrastructure is secure, accessible and fit for purpose.

20.7. Every internal election of the party shall be overseen by a 3 member Electoral Oversight Committee selected by sortition from members in good standing who are not standing as candidates in that election. The Committee verifies the result, signs the published audit, and addresses any procedural challenges. Standing Orders shall set out the Committee’s working procedures.

Article 21. Amendments to the Constitution

21.1. This charter may be amended by the Congress.

21.2. Proposed amendments must be submitted to the Political Council at least 30 days before the Congress.

21.3. Amendments require a two thirds majority of those present and voting at the Congress.

21.4. The Political Council distributes all proposed amendments to members at least 15 days before the Congress.

Article 22. Dissolution

22.1. The party may be dissolved by decision of an Extraordinary Congress convened for this purpose, requiring a three quarters majority of those present and voting.

22.2. In the event of dissolution, the party’s assets, after settlement of all debts and obligations, shall be donated to a non profit organisation active in the fields of education, culture or community development in the Evros region, as determined by the final Congress.

Article 23. Transitional Provisions

23.1. Until the first Ordinary Congress is held, the Founding Congress shall exercise all powers of the Congress.

23.2. The founding members who sign the Declaration of Establishment constitute the initial membership of the party.

23.3. The Party Leader designated in the Declaration of Establishment serves as Acting Leader until the first Ordinary Congress elects a Leader under Article 8.

23.4. The initial Political Council is appointed by the Founding Congress and serves until the first Ordinary Congress.

23.5. At the Founding Congress only, adoption of and amendments to this constitution require a simple majority of those present and voting, rather than the two thirds majority required at subsequent Congresses under Article 21.3.

23.6. This charter enters into force upon its adoption by the Founding Congress and its submission to the Areios Pagos.