A MOTION
To enact the bill "The political parties act"
Introduced into the Council of the Union of Democratic States on the DAY of October, 2023, by @Alfkarl
As follows:
TRUSTING that political parties are essential for the expression of different political views and for the aggregation of interests
AFFIRMING that political parties play an important role in educating the public about political issues
DECIDING that it is in the best interests of the people of the Union of Democratic States to establish a law to regulate the formation and operation of political parties,
BE IT ENACTED by the Council of state:
Section 1: Short Title
This Act may be cited as the "Political Parties Act".
Section 2: Definitions
(1) For the purposes of this Act:
(A) "Political party" means an association of persons who have joined together to advance a common political program and who intend to contest elections in the Union of Democratic States.
(B) "Chairperson" means the head of a political party.
(C) "Deputy Chairperson" means the second-in-command of a political party.
Section 3: Establishment of Political Parties
(1) Any three or more persons may establish a political party by filing a notice with the Attorney General and Chief Archivist. The notice must include the following information:
(A) The name of the political party;
(B) The party's way if election (if applicable)
(C) The names of the party's chairperson and deputy chairperson.
(2) The Attorney General or Chief Archivist must register the political party within 7 days of receiving the notice if it complies with all of the requirements of this Act.
Section 4: Election of Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson
(1) Each political party must decide a Chairperson and deputy chairperson through a agreed means with its members.
(2) At least 7 days before any election in the Union of Democratic States, each political party must publish a list of its members and the names of its chairperson and deputy chairperson.
Section 5: Functions of Political Parties
(1) Political parties may:
(A) Sponsor bills in the Senate and General Assembly;
(B) Recommend how their members should vote on bills;
(C) Publish lists of their members;
(D) Hold meetings within which members may vote on the future of the party;
(E) Engage in any other lawful activities that are necessary or incidental to the achievement of their objectives.
(2) Political Parties may not:
(A) Tamper with the normal functioning of the government. This includes firing someone due to their party alignment.
Section 6: Enforcement
(1) It shall be the attorney general's responsibility to ensure these rules are followed;
(2) For the prompt and efficient execution of the duties of the attorney general they shall be granted the following powers:
(A) To form political parties when requests are submitted
(B) Upon a vote within a party ,where the majority vote for dissolution of the party, to dissolve parties
(C) In the event a party has failed to comply with this act the attorney general shall have the following powers
(I) To remove a member from the party and prohibit them from joining for a time no greater than 7 days
(II) To remove someone who holds the title of chairperson or vice-chairperson from their position and prohibit them from holding such position for up to 7 days
(III) To restrict the campaigning rights of the party and it's members from certain infrastructures for up to 7 days
(IV) To dissolve the party, this should only happen when the party has repeatedly broken this act
(V) The evidence that the prohibited acts have occurred must be more likely than not
(VI) In all cases the ruling can be appealed to the chief justice, who may decide whether a full court hearing is required
Section 7: Preventing corruption
(1) The following may not hold the position of chairperson or vice-chairperson:
(A) Attorney general
(B) Chief Justice
(C) Election commissioner
(2) The election commission shall at their discretion order any of the aforementioned roles to sever ties with a party or resign from their position in the government
Section 8: Amendments
(1) The attorney general shall serve until explicitly fired by president through executive order or resigns
(2) UL-004 Section 3 clause 12 shall read "A person is guilty of disruption of official business if he intentionally because of a political motive Inhibits the proper flow of government, undermines, makes it difficult for a reasonable person to govern. Obstruction of official business may be a misdemeanor or a felony"
(3) UL-004 Section 3 clause 12 subclause 'A' shall read "For this offence if a political party was involved the court shall have the power to disband the party"
(4) If any part of this act is deemed unlawful the rest shall remain in force
