This is the new PLO/Fatah Charter that was approved at their convention last August. A copy leaked out last week, and was translated into English.
You can find this new Charter here, and the old Charter here.
Palestine National Liberation Movement
Fatah
Internal Charter
Revolution is our path to freedom, independence, and construction
It is a revolution until victory
Introduction
In accordance with the Basic Charter ratified by Fatah's Fourth General Conference held in Tunis in 1989,
In adherence to the principles, objectives, and methods agreed by the members of Fatah,
And in implementation of the decision of Fatah's Sixth General Conference held in Bethlehem on 4 August 2009,
This internal charter has been drafted to regulate the relationship between the members, cadres, frameworks, and leaders of Fatah, and to define their tasks, duties, and methods of struggle to achieve the goals of Fatah.
This internal charter has been adopted within the framework of adherence to the provisions of the Basic Charter.
Brother and Comrade in Struggle:
This movement and this work are a national trust and a historic responsibility. You must shoulder the precious trust and recognize the historic responsibility. You must prepare yourself to inspire the spirit of organized revolutionary work in every Arab soul that is sincere to Palestine and that believes in its liberation. Let us train ourselves to be patient and to face ordeals, bear calamities, sacrifice our souls, blood, time and effort. All these are the weapons of revolutionaries.
Therefore, Brother, do not stop. With the calm of the workers, the silence of the sincere, the determination of the revolutionaries, the resolve of the believers, and the patience of the strugglers, you must act quickly because our people cannot spare a single moment after our tragedy continued throughout all those long years. You must know that our enemy is strong and the battle is ferocious and long. You must know that determination, patience, secrecy, confidentiality, adherence to the principles and goals of the revolution, keep us from stumbling and shorten the path to liberation.
Go forward to revolution. Long live Palestine, free and Arab (Emphases mine)
"Fatah"
Internal charter
The fundamental concepts of the internal charter:
Fatah is a national, revolutionary movement and membership is confidential, unless otherwise decided.
The revolution is for all the people who wage and practice it, and the movement is the revolutionary organization that has the right to direct the revolution.
Collective leadership is the sole method of the movement. This means:
A) Democracy is the basis of debate, discussion, and decision-making on all organizational levels.
B) Democratic centralism is the basis of handling responsibilities, and this involves unity of work, ideological harmony, and political interaction in the movement.
C) Criticism and self-criticism are the basis of rectification and correction, and punishment is not an end in itself but a means for assessment and development.
D) The minority must conform to the view of the majority, and those in lower ranks must abide by the decisions of those in upper ranks in order to achieve discipline and unified organization which must have a unified vision, ideology, and practice.
E) The movement believes in the sacredness of membership and the freedom of the individual, and it rejects vengeance. The movement believes in the right of the citizen to participate in the revolution, and it refuses to nullify this right unless this participation is a source of danger threatening the movement's process and security.
Chapter One
Organizational Principles and Rules
Commitment and Discipline
Democratic Centralism
Criticism and Self-Criticism
Confidentiality
Article (1)
In its organizational work, the movement depends on the following principles:
First: Commitment. This means:
A) Firm belief in the Palestinian issue and the movement's objectives and full readiness to sacrifice and struggle for its sake until victory.
B) Adherence to the movement's political program and regulations.
C) Adherence to the movement's decisions and defense of its positions.
Second: Discipline. This means:
Article (2)
A) Abidance by the provisions of the movement's internal regulations and rules.
B) Abidance by the organizational decisions of the leading committees.
C) Meticulous and accurate implementation of orders and adherence of those in the lower ranks to the decisions, orders, and instructions of those in the upper ranks.
D) Non-discussion of internal issues outside organizational sessions or the movement's frameworks.
E) Non-adoption of individual decisions or whimsical positions.
F) Adherence to organizational hierarchy.
Third: Democratic Centralism.
Article (3)
A) This means central planning, leadership, and control, but does not mean central
implementation. It also means freedom of discussion and the right of participation in the adoption of decisions and recommendations within the organizational frameworks.
B) Democratic centralism is achieved through the adoption of the following organizational methods.
1. Election of leadership bodies through the conferences mentioned in the internal charter.
2. Exercise of collective leadership.
3. Adherence of the minority to the view of the majority.
4. Adherence of those in the lower ranks to the decisions of those in the upper ranks.
5. Freedom of discussion and right of participation in decision-making within the organizational frameworks.
6. Submittal of reports by the leaderships about their work to the bodies that elected them.
7. Submittal of reports by the lower frameworks to the upper frameworks.
Fourth: Criticism and Self-Criticism.
Article (4)
This is one of the cornerstones for evaluating revolutionary practices, emphasizing their positive results, circumventing their negative effects, and ensuring the safety of the march of the movement. Criticism and self-criticism are practiced within the organizational frameworks.
Fifth: Confidentiality
Article (5)
Confidentiality is a principle entrenched in the movement's internal charter and oath. It cannot be circumvented except within the limits of necessity condoned by the organizational frameworks.
Sixth: Organizational rules and principles are realized through the following methods:
Article (6)
1. When convened, the movement's conferences (General Conference, District Conference, and Area Conference) are the highest leading authorities, each according to its specialty and jurisdiction mentioned in the internal charter. They have the sole authority to elect the leading committees, plan their activities, and observe and question their practices.
2. Collective leadership is exercised through the committees' work. Each committee from top to bottom must undertake its tasks, taking in mind that it is a complementary unit that works in conjunction with other units, that all issues must be rationally discussed through the units and,committees, and that all decisions are taken by a majority of votes.
3. The decisions of conferences are binding on all the leaders and members of the movement and those in the lower ranks must abide by the decisions of those in the upper ranks.
4. Achievement of equality among members through adherence to the movement's rules, regulations and decisions. Competence, loyalty, and sacrifice are the criteria for evaluation and promotion.
Chapter Two
Membership
Types of membership, Requirements, Rights, Obligations, Continuity
Article (7)
Membership
A) Membership in the movement is the right of every Palestinian or Arab who possesses the necessary requirements, believes in the liberation of Palestine, and fully adheres to the movement's internal charter, political program, and all its regulations and political and organizational decisions.
B) The Fatah Central Committee can grant membership to a friend of the movement who has decided to be committed to the movement.
Article (8)
There are two categories of membership:
A) Active member:
1. This is a member who has successfully completed the trial period as a supportive
member. His membership as an active member is confirmed by a decision from the regional committee or upon the recommendation of the leading organizational frameworks in the central authorities and the approval of the Mobilization and Organization Commission.
2. Persons with a proven track record of struggle will be given membership of the movement in accordance with special regulations prepared by the Central Committee and approved by the Revolutionary Council.
3. Members of the Boy and Girl Scouts establishment and the Al-Shabibah [Youth] organization will become active members of the movement when they reach the age of 18 upon a recommendation from their previous organizations.
B) Supportive member: This is a person who is a candidate to join the movement and whose candidacy is subject to the following conditions:
1. He must meet the membership requirements mentioned in Article (9) of this internal charter, except the paragraph regarding the oath.
2. He must be recommended by two members who have been with the movement for at least one year.
3. He must successfully pass a six-month trial and preparatory period during which he must grasp the theoretical principles of the movement and enthusiastically perform his assignments.
Article (9)
Requirements of Membership
A member in the movement must meet the following requirements:
A) He must not be below the age of 18.
B) He must have a good reputation and national credibility. He must not have committed any criminal, immoral, or dishonorable act.
C) He must respect the people and their traditions, serve them, and protect their
interests and security.
D) He must be independent and not committed to any other organization or party.
E) He must demonstrate a reasonable amount of awareness and ability to assume
responsibility. He must have an amicable personality.
H) He must have sufficient readiness for self-sacrifice and self-denial.
1) He must take the following "Oath of Loyalty to Palestine": "I swear by Almighty God and by my honor and beliefs that I will be faithful to Palestine and that I will spare no effort in working for its liberation. I swear that I will not disclose any of the movement's secrets or affairs. This is a free oath. God bears witness to what I say." (Emphases mine)
Article (10)
Acquisition of Membership
A) Members are accepted in the movement on an individual basis according to their competence and readiness to work and sacrifice.
B) Members of the Boy and Girl Scouts establishment are accepted in the Shabibah Organization, each in their region, according to special regulations, when they reach the age of 18.
Article (11)
Rights of Membership
A member in the movement has the following rights:
A) To have all rights mentioned in the internal charter.
B) To have the same and equal rights and obligations as all other members.
C) To climb the organizational ladder according to the terms of this internal charter and on the basis of competence, efficiency and loyalty.
D) To have complete freedom of criticism, objection, protest, discussion, debate, and questioning only within the organizational sessions.
E) To criticize and cross-question any leading member within the organizational hierarchy.
F) If accused or cross-questioned, to defend himself in front of the leading committees and authorities, the control committees, and the movement's court.
G) To receive a written reply to his queries and questions within no more than one month.
H) To enjoy protection in the sense that he will not be dismissed, shunned, or suspended, unless he is tried and convicted by the movement's court.
I) To have the right to meet senior officials, including members of the Central Committee, if the need arises.
Article (12)
Obligations of Membership
A member of the movement must undertake the following obligations:
A) Constant and unrelenting struggle to achieve the principles and goals of the movement.
B) Complete commitment to the political program of the movement and implementation of its political line.
C) Application of the Basic Charter and sincere and meticulous implementation of all decisions.
D) Maintenance of the organizational and ideological unity of the movement and rejection of, and resistance to, all other groups.
E) Constant and studious work to theoretically and practically elevate the level of education and experience.
F) Attendance of all meetings and regular payment of subscriptions.
G) A member must set the example of altruism, courage, loyalty, sacrifice, patience,
perseverance, and self-denial.
H) A member must work continuously to create a strong relationship with members of the public and win their respect and confidence. A member must constantly disseminate the principles of the movement, attract leading figures from the people, and expand the base of the movement.
I) A member must engage in criticism and self-criticism, and play an active role in the organizational sessions and in public and volunteer work.
J) A member must be constantly alert to the activities of the enemy and the forces hostile to the revolution.
K) A member must keep the secrets of the movement's individuals, committees, and
formations. A member must adopt the appropriate methods of secrecy in work.
I) A member must work in a brotherly and collective spirit, and must discard all individual and whimsical methods and other harmful methods.
J) A member must serve the people faithfully and conscientiously.
K) A member must put himself at the disposal of the movement and carry out revolutionary duty in any way requested.
Article (13)
Continuity, Suspension, and Cancellation of Membership
A) Membership continues as long as the member continues to fulfill his tasks and obligations.
B) Membership is suspended if the member ceases to fulfill his tasks for three consecutive months without any reasonable excuse, or if he requests to be suspended. Membership cannot be restored without a decision by the district committee for district members and by the Central Committee for other members.
C) Membership is suspended if a member stops paying monthly subscriptions for three
consecutive months if he is well-off financially. The matter must be submitted to the Mobilization and Organization Commission.
D) Membership is canceled if a decision to this effect is taken by the concerned committee as a result of behavioral, political or organizational violations, which are punishable by cancellation of membership.
Chapter Three
Leading Bodies of the Movement
General Conference
General Council
Revolutionary Council
Central Committee
Membership Control and Protection Committee and Financial Control Committee
General Conference
Article (14)
The General Conference of the movement consists of:
A) Members of the Central Committee and the Revolutionary Council.
B) Members of the Advisory Council of the movement.
C) District representatives elected in the district conferences. In the case of districts where conferences cannot be held, whether in the homeland or abroad, the Central Committee will select these representatives.
E) Military members of the movement provided their number does not exceed 20 percent of the total number of the members of the conference.
F) A number of the movement's cadres:
1. Those who work in popular and professional organizations.
2. Those who work in the leading bodies of the movement (commissions).
3. Those who work in the departments of the State of Palestine and the PLO, in the
establishments and ministries of the Palestinian National Authority, and insemi-official establishments.
4. Members of the movement who are very competent and who are appointed by the Central Committee as representatives of the movement in other countries.
5. Competent members of the movement provided number does not exceed 10 percent of total numbers of the members of conference.
Article (15) Requirements of Membership in the Conference:
A) Membership in the conference is linked to the representative nature mentioned in Article 14.
B) A member in the conference must have been an active member in the movement for 10 years.
C) A member in the conference must have a clean record.
D) A member in the conference must meet all the requirements of membership in the movement.
Article (16) Jurisdictions of the Conference:
When convened, the conference is the highest authority in the movement, and it exercises the following jurisdictions:
1) Discusses the reports, decisions, and duties of the Central Committee, questions the Central Committee, and debates the activities of the movement's departments and institutions.
2) Endorses or amends the internal charter upon the recommendation of two-thirds of the attending representatives.
3) Approves the movement's rulings and procedures, as well as its political programs and other relevant issues.
4) Withholds confidence from some or all members of the Central Committee upon the
recommendation of two-thirds of the attending members.
5) Elects, by secret vote, the required number of the Central Committee members.
6) Elects, by secret vote, the required number of the Revolutionary Council members.
Article (17) Convening the General Conference:
A) The Central Committee calls for a regular session once every five years.
B) The Conference may hold an extraordinary session within no more than one month upon the request from two-thirds of its members or one-half of the members of the Revolutionary Council, or upon the invitation of the Central Committee. The agenda must include the topics that necessitated the session.
C) Sessions are deemed legal if two thirds of the members are present provided all members have been informed in writing two weeks prior to the meeting. If no quorum is present, the meeting will be put off for 24 hours, and then convened if more than half of the members are present.
General Council
Article (18)
The General Council is made up of no more than 350 members of the General Conference, and as follows:
A) Members of the Central Committee and the Revolutionary Council.
B) The remaining members will be selected by the Revolutionary Council in accordance with the membership provisions of Article 14 of the internal charter.
Article (19)
The General Council has the jurisdiction to call for an extraordinary meeting of the General Conference according to a system approved by the Revolutionary Council provided this system does not conflict with the conference resolutions.
Article (20)
The General Council is convened at the request of the Central Committee or the Revolutionary Council provided the issue to be discussed is specified.
Revolutionary Council
Article (21)
The Revolutionary Council consists of:
A) The members of the Central Committee.
B) Eighty members elected by the General Conference from its members, provided the candidate member gets at least 20 percent of the electors' vote. In the event some candidates do not get the required percentage of votes, reelections are held among double the required number of candidates who got the highest number of votes in the first round.
C) No more than 25 competent civilian and military members selected by two-thirds of the members of the Central Committee and endorsed by the Revolutionary Council.
D) No more than 20 prisoners of the movement in the prisons of the occupation nominated by two-thirds of the members of the Central Committee and endorsed by the Revolutionary Council. These members are counted in the quorum when they are able to attend meetings.
Article (22)
A candidate for the Revolutionary Council must have been an active member of the movement for 15 years without interruption and his organizational rank must be no be less than that of a head of district committee or its equivalent in the movement's forces and organs.
Article (23)
Jurisdictions of the Revolutionary Council
When convened between two sessions of the General Conference, the Revolutionary Council is the highest authority in the movement. Its jurisdictions are:
A) To follow up and implement the decisions of the General Conference.
B) To monitor -- through the membership and control and protection committee and the financial control committee -- the work of the central departments and the conditions of the movement in the districts.
C) To monitor the military affairs of the movement in a way that does not run counter to confidentiality. (Emphases mine)
D) To discuss the decisions, activities, and reports of the Central Committee and make appropriate decisions accordingly.
E) To interpret the provisions of the internal charter in the event of a dispute in their interpretation.
F) To elect the chairmen of the membership control and protection committee, the financial control committee, and the movement's court.
G) To elect, by secret vote, the members of the membership control and protection committee, as well as the financial control committee, at the first session of the council.
H) To discuss the reports of the committees emanating from the General Conference and make appropriate decisions in this respect.
Article (24)
At its first session, the Revolutionary Council elects by secret vote from among its members a secretariat consisting of a secretary and two deputies. The secretary must be on a full-time basis and must not be a member of the Central Committee.
Article (25)
The secretary of the Revolutionary Council will participate in the meetings of the Central Committee as an observer.
Article (26)
The Revolutionary Council will draw up its own internal regulations which are approved by the majority of members.
Article (27)
If there is no quorum at the Central Committee, the Revolutionary Council is called to meet within two weeks to elect, by secret vote, two thirds of its members in order to maintain a quorum.
Article (28)
If vacancies in the Central Committee are not filled within three months, the Revolutionary Council is called to meet in an emergency session during which vacancies are filled by its members by secret vote, provided each candidate is elected by absolute majority.
Article (29)
If vacancies occur in the Revolutionary Council, they will be filled by competent members of the General Conference, provided each candidate is elected by absolute majority.
Article (30)
If a vacancy in the Revolutionary Council belongs to a competent member, the Central
Committee fills the seat. If the Central Committee does not fill the vacancy during the period between two sessions of the Revolutionary Council, the Revolutionary Council fills the vacancy provided the candidate is a member of the General Conference.
Article (31)
The Revolutionary Council is entitled to dismiss or suspend one or more members of the Central Committee if an offense is committed. This is decided by two thirds of the members provided that the number of dismissed or suspended members does not exceed one third of the members of the Central Committee.
Article (32)
The Revolutionary Council is entitled to dismiss or suspend one or more of its members if an offense is committed. This is decided by a two-thirds majority of the council.
Article (33)
Meetings & Decisions:
The Revolutionary Council meets regularly every three months upon an invitation from its secretary. The Revolutionary Council may hold an extraordinary session upon a decision by the Central Committee or upon a written request addressed to its secretary by two thirds of its members.
Article (34)
A quorum is maintained if two thirds of the Revolutionary Council members are present provided they have been officially notified three days prior to the meeting. If a quorum is not maintained, the council will convene if there is an absolute majority 24 hours after the set date.
Article (35)
Decisions of the Revolutionary Council are made by absolute majority of the present members except in cases otherwise stated, and voting is done by a show of hands unless the council decides otherwise.
Article (36)
A) Upon the election of its secretariat, the Revolutionary Council forms committees. These are:
Permanent committees:
-- Membership Control and Protection Committee.
-- Financial Control Committee.
Other Committees:
-- Mobilization and Organization Committee.
-- Political Committee.
-- Information and Culture Committee.
-- Military, Security, and Intelligence Affairs Committee
-- Popular Organizations Committee.
-- Economic Committee.
-- National Relations Committee.
-- Foreign Relations Committee.
-- Government Affairs and National Building Committee.
-- Social Affairs Committee.
-- Jerusalem Committee.
-- Refugees Committee.
-- Prisoners, Wounded, and Martyrs Committee.
-- Committee Against Colonization, the Wall, and Ethnic Cleansing.
B) It is not allowed to be a member of more than one committee. Each member can be a member of one committee and an observer in another.
C) The committees meet prior to the meeting of the council to which they submit reports on their work.
D) A quorum at the meetings of the committees exists when the absolute majority of members are present.
E) Each Committee submits is regulations for endorsement by the Revolutionary Council at its first session.
Article (37)
The heads of the Financial Control Committee and the Membership Control and Protection Committee are elected directly by the Revolutionary Council.
Article (38)
The Financial Control Committee and the Membership Control and Protection Committee are each comprised of nine members, including the head of the committee.
Article (39)
The Revolutionary Council will elect the members of the Financial Control Committee and the Membership Control and Protection Committee at its first session after it elects the secretariat of the council.
Article (40)
Fatah's Court
The Revolutionary Council will elect the head of Fatah's Court during its first session, and the Central Committee will form the court and draw up its regulations.
Central Committee
Article (41)
The Central Committee is made up of 23 members as follows:
1. The leader of the movement directly elected by the General Conference.
2. Eighteen members elected by the General Conference.
3. Four members elected upon the recommendation of the leader of the movement, the approval of two thirds of the members of the Central Committee, and the endorsement of the Revolutionary Council.
Article (42)
A candidate for the Central Committee must have been an active member of the movement for 20 years without interruption and must receive the votes of 25 percent of the members of the General Conference.
Article (43)
1) At its first session, the Central Committee elects:
A) Deputy leader of the movement.
B) Secretary of the Central Committee.
C) Deputy Secretary of the Central Committee.
Article (43)
The leader of the movement carries out the following tasks:
1. Chairs and runs the meetings of Central Committee in accordance with the internal regulations of the Central Committee.
2. Approves, together with the secretary of the Central Committee, the minutes of the meetings of the Central Committee.
3) Follows up, together with the secretary, on the implementation of the Central Committee decisions.
Article (44)
1. The deputy leader of the movement carries out the tasks of the leader of the movement in the event of the latter's absence and any tasks assigned to him by the Central Committee.
2. Circulates an internal memo on the topics and issues discussed and which the Central Committee believes are necessary to circulate and distribute through the Mobilization and Organization Commission.
3. Chairs the Mobilization and Organization Commission and supervises the work of other commissions.
Article (46)
The secretary of the Central Committee carries out the following tasks:
1. Calls a meeting of the Central Committee after coordinating with the leader of movement.
2. Prepares the agenda after coordinating with the leader of the movement.
3. Organizes and keeps a record of the meetings of the Central Committee and all documents connected with the Central Committee.
Article (47)
The deputy secretary carries out the tasks of the secretary in the event of the latter's absence.
Article (48)
1. The General Command of the Al-Asifah Forces is made up of:
A) The leader of the movement.
B) The deputy leader of the movement.
C) The commissioner of the military, security, and intelligence affairs.
2. The Al-Asifah Forces are the military arm of the movement.
Article (49)
At its first session, the Central Committee assigns tasks to its members. A member must not undertake two tasks at the same time.
Article (50)
The Central Committee forms the following commissions:
1. The West Bank Commission.
2. The Gaza Strip Commission.
3. The External Regions Commission.The State of Israel. (Emphases mine)
4. The Popular Organizations Commission.
5. The Ideological Mobilization and Studies Commission.
Other commissions:
6. The Election Commission.
7. The Financial and Economic Commission.
8. The National Relations Commission.
9. The Arab Relations Commission.
10. The International Relations Commission.
11. The Military, Security, and Intelligence Affairs commission.
12. The Information and Culture Commission.
13. The Jerusalem Commission.
14. The Civil and Non-Governmental Organizations Commission.
15. The Governmental Affairs and National Building Commission.
16. The Social Affairs Commission, any other commissions it finds necessary.
Article (51)
All members of the Central Committee are equal in rights and duties.
Article (52)
The Central Committee meets at least once every two weeks to review the progress of work in all the movement's apparatuses, establishments, and commissions, and to issue the necessary decisions and instructions. Every member shall be responsible for his duty during the period between meetings and submit a report on his work. Emergency meetings of the Central Committee may be held at the request of the leader of the movement or of two-thirds of the committee's members to discuss a specific topic mentioned in the request.
Article (53)
The Central Committee is collectively responsible for all the activities and practices of the movement.
Article (54)
A quorum exists at the meeting of the Central Committee when two-thirds of the members are present. If no quorum exists, the meeting will be put off for 24 hours, and then reconvened if more than half of the members are present.
Article (55)
The decisions of the Central Committee are issued by absolute majority of present members unless otherwise stated in the statute.
Article (56)
If vacancies occur in the Central Committee due to death, dismissal, resignation, or crippling illness, they will be filled from the members of the Revolutionary Council following a vote requiring a two-thirds majority. The elected candidate must be a competent member of the movement andmust meet the requirements of membership in the Central Committee.
Article (57) Jurisdictions
The Central Committee exercises its jurisdictions as the executive leadership of the General Conference. The jurisdictions are:
A) Running daily activity and directing the internal, external, political, military, and financial policies of the movement as well as assuming leadership responsibilities in various aspects.
B) Leading the movement in all public and official Palestinian, Arab and international affairs.
C) Implementing the political, organizational, military, and financial decisions of the General Conference and the Revolutionary Council as well as the political program endorsed by the General Conference.
D) Discussing disciplinary violations and misapplications of the Basic Charter and taking the appropriate procedures.
E) Maintaining the cohesion of the movement and ensuring the implementation of the internal charter.
F) Calling a meeting of the General Conference, preparing its agenda, and submitting detailed written reports about its activities.
G) Supervising the publication of the statements, newsletters, and studies issued by the movement.
H) Setting up the movement's court, drawing up its internal regulations, and endorsing the sentences passed by the court. Endorsement of the sentences needs a two-thirds majority of votes.
I) Endorsing the appointment of members of leading bodies of the central and administrative departments and the movement's central offices, and renewing the endorsement every year.
J) Endorsing the appointment of members of the movement's central offices who are elected according to special regulations.
K) Nominating the members of the Fatah movement for the Palestine National Council, the Palestinian Legislative Council, the PLO Executive Committee, and the Palestinian National Authority, in accordance with specific mechanisms adopted by the Central Committee and approved by the Revolutionary Council.
Article (58)
The Central Committee will draw up its own internal regulations within no more than
three months since the start of its work.
Article (59)
During its first meeting after the General Conference, the Central Committee
distributes work among its members in accordance with the specializations listed in the internal charter and which include all activities and responsibilities.
Chapter Four
Leading Bodies of the Movement
1. Districts: District, District Conference, District Committee
2. Areas: Area, Area Conference, Area Committee
Part One: Districts
Article (60)
A) 1. The term "district" is given to any organizational branch of the movement within the homeland or abroad.
2. A district within the homeland consists of 10 organizational areas meeting the organizational requirements.
3. A district in a country abroad consists of three organizational areas meeting the organizational requirements.
4. A governorate within the homeland or abroad that does not have the required number of districts is named according to the size of the organization and its name is mentioned in this internal charter: district, branch, and wing.
B) A district consists of organizational areas named, from base to top: cells, wings, and branches.
C) An organization that exists in unfavorable security conditions does not adhere to this arrangement after obtaining the approval of the Mobilization and Organization Commission.
D) The leading committee of any organizational branch is given a leading rank it deserves depending on the number of the organizations in the district. The committee is directly responsible to the General Mobilization and Organization Commission and has the jurisdiction of a district committee.
E) It is permissible to gradually increase the organizational rank of the leading committee or in the case of base frameworks in the districts, which do not have sufficient numbers to form an area, depending on length of service, efficiency, and activity. This is done by a recommendation from the district committee and by a decision from the General Mobilization Commission.
F) The cell is the base of the organization in the movement.
Article (61)
New cells are formed with the approval of the district committee upon a recommendation from the area committee. In the event there is no district committee, new cells are formed by the leading committee in the region. (Emphases mine.)
Article (62)
District Conference
A district conference is made up of:
A) Members of the district committee.
B) Members of the district's area committees.
C) A representative of each popular organization in the district.
D) Former members of the district committees during the previous conference provided they are still active members in the movement.
E) Competent members in the district chosen by the district committee provided their number does not exceed 15 percent of the members of the conference.
F) One member from each central apparatus (commission) in the district.
Article (63)
Jurisdictions
The district conference exercises the following jurisdictions:
A) Discusses the decisions and activities of the district committee and questions its members.
B) Discusses the conditions of the area committees, their decisions, and their activities.
C) Draws up organizational plans for the various political and national tasks and for political forces, popular organizations, thinkers, politicians, and journalists, as part of the general strategic plan approved by the General Congress, the Central Committee, and the Revolutionary Council.
D) Discusses the various issues of the movement and submits recommendations regarding these issues.
E) Elects the required number of representatives of the district to the General Conference.
Article (64)
Requirements of Membership in the District Conference
A) Membership in the district conference is contingent on the representative nature mentioned in Article 62.
B) A member of the district conference must have been an active member in the movement for at least six years.
C) A member of the district conference must have a clean record and must not have committed any crime or an immoral or dishonorable act.
Article (64)
A) A district conference convenes once every two years.
B) A district conference may hold an emergency meeting:
1. Upon a decision by the district committee and the approval of the Mobilization and Organization Commission.
2. Upon a written request from two-thirds of the members of the conference and the approval of the Mobilization and Organization Commission.
3. In the event of a lack of quorum in the district committee due to resignation, suspension, death, or a crippling illness.
Article (65)
In the districts where it is difficult to hold elections due to security considerations or due to nonfulfillment of organizational requirements, the Central Committee appoints a district committee and its secretary.
Article (67)
District Committee
A district committee consists of:
1. At least five members and no more than seven members in a district abroad.
2. At least nine members and no more than 15 fifteen members in a district within the governorates of the homeland.
3. The number decided for the district committee is approved by the Mobilization and
Organization Commission.
Article (68) Meetings
A) A district committee meets once every two weeks under the chairmanship of the secretary of the district committee. In the event of the secretary's absence, it is chaired by the deputy secretary. It is allowed to hold emergency meetings when necessary.
B) A quorum exists at a meeting of the district committee if two-thirds of the members are present. If there is no quorum, the meeting will be put off for 24 hours if half of the members plus one are present.
C) A district committee's decisions are taken by absolute majority of present members.
Article (69)
Jurisdictions:
A district committee, as the leading committee in the district, exercises the following jurisdictions:
A) Implements the decisions of the higher leading frameworks.
B) Supervises all the institutions and apparatuses of the movement in the district.
C) Draws up the appropriate plans for all activity in the district.
D) Recommends to the Mobilization and Organization Commission the suspension or
cancellation of the membership of no more than two of its members and explains the reasons for the recommendation.
E) Runs the daily affairs of the movement in the district.
F) Ensures the safety and cohesion of the movement and coordinates work among the various areas.
G) Calls a meeting of the district conference, prepares its agenda, and submits detailed written reports about all activity in the district.
H) Prepares an organizational plan for the members, and reports any new developments to the Mobilization and Organization Commission once every six months.
Article (70)
After a legal investigation, the Central Committee is entitled to suspend or cancel the membership of one or more of the district committee members provided the number does not exceed one third of the members of the district committee. Should the need arise to suspend or cancel the membership of more than one third of the members, the district conference must be called for an emergency session.
Article (71)
The district committee informs the Mobilization and Organization Commission about the transfer of a member to another district, after agreeing with him on the means of communication.
Article (72)
A commission exercises its activity in a district after coordinating with the Mobilization and Organization Commission.
Article (73)
A district committee distributes tasks among its members, including the deputy secretary, in a way that ensures control of the affairs of the movement in the district.
Article (74)
The Central Committee selects a district secretary from a list prepared by the district conference after consulting with the district committee through the Mobilization and Organization Commission. The district secretary exercises the following jurisdictions:
A) Calls the district committee for a meeting over which he presides. In the event of his absence, the meeting will be presided over by the deputy secretary.
B) Submits monthly or immediate reports to the Mobilization and Organization Commission.
C) Follows up on the implementation of the decisions, recommendations, and tasks of the district committee.
D) Sends out invitations for the holding of district conferences.
E) Signs payment orders in accordance with financial regulations.
Article (75)
A deputy secretary undertakes the duty of the secretary in the event of the latter's absence.
Article (76)
A) When necessary, the Central Committee nominates an accredited representative to districts abroad. The rank of the candidate must be no less than that of a district committee member for at least three years.
B) An accredited representative undertakes the tasks assigned to him by the Central Committee. His relationship with the district committee is defined in accordance with internal regulations issued by the Mobilization and Organization Commission.
Article (77)
District Council
A district council is established in every district. Its role is advisory and is defined in a list of duties issued by the Mobilization of Organization Commission.
Article (78)
District Budget
The district budget consists of the following:
A) Subscriptions.
B) Contributions.
C) Local investments and resources.
D) The budget must be approved by the financial office of the movement.
Article (79)
1. The district draft budget is prepared by the district committee.
2. The Mobilization and Organization Commission is entitled to approve the budget as is or to amend it.
Part Two: Areas
The term "area" is given to a framework that consists of:
A) At least 10 organizational branches within the homeland.
B) At least five organizational branches abroad.
C) At least three organizational branches in the student districts.
Article (81)
Area Conference
The area conference consists of:
A) Members of the branches' committees.
B) Former members of the area committee at the previous conference.
C) No more than 10 percent of the conference members nominated by the area and approved by the district committee, if the need arises.
D) Secretaries of the popular organizations in an area.
Article (82)
Jurisdictions:
The area conference exercises the following jurisdictions:
A) Discusses the area's decisions and activity and questions its members.
B) Discusses the conditions of the organization in the area.
C) Discusses general issues in the movement and the district and submits recommendations regarding them.
D) Elects by direct secret ballot the required number for the area committee (five to nine), including at least one woman, from the members of the conference within the homeland, and five 5 to 7 persons from abroad, provided they have been active members in the movement within the homeland for at least seven years and in the student districts for three years.
Article (83)
The district committee selects the secretary of the area committee from among elected members subject to the approval of the Mobilization and Organization Commission.
Article (84)
A) The area conference meets once every two years, preferably in the same district.
B) The conference may hold an emergency meeting at the request of the area committee and upon the approval of the district committee.
C) The conference may hold an emergency meeting in the event of a lack of quorum in the area committee due to resignation, suspension, death, or crippling illness.
Article (85)
In the areas where it is difficult to hold elections due to security considerations or due to nonfulfillment of organizational requirements, the area committee selects members from a list of candidates approved by the Mobilization and Organization Commission.
Article (86)
Requirements of Membership in Area Conference:
A) A member of the conference must have been an active member in the movement within the homeland or in important arenas abroad for five years.
B) A member of the conference must have been an active member in student districts abroad.
Article (87)
Area Committee
An area committee consists of:
A) Five to nine members in the areas within the homeland to be elected by the area conference provided they have been active members in the movement for seven years.
B) Five to seven members in the areas abroad to be elected by the area conference provided they have been active in the movement for seven years or three years in the student districts.
Article (88)
The area committee selects a secretary after securing the approval of Mobilization and Organization Commission. His tasks will be the same as those of the district secretary.
Article (89)
The area committee meets once every week under the chairmanship of its secretary. The committee may hold an emergency meeting depending on circumstances. The committee follows the same procedures as those of the district committee with regard to quorum and voting requirements.
Article (90)
Jurisdictions
The area committee exercises its jurisdictions in its capacity as the executive leadership in the area. These jurisdictions are the same as those of the district committee.
Article (91)
After a legal investigation, the area committee is entitled to suspend or cancel the membership of no more than two members of the area. Should the need arise to suspend or cancel the membership of more than two members, the area conference is called for a meeting to elect a new committee.
Article (92)
The area committee is entitled to make any change necessitated by organizational requirements for the branches, cells, or wings committees.
Article (93)
The area committee appoints the secretaries of the cells, rings, and wings committees, while the secretaries of the branches committees are appointed by the district committee upon the recommendation of the area committee.
Chapter Five
Article (94)
Base Frameworks in the Movement
1. In the homeland's districts, the base frameworks in the movement are:
A) A cell. It consists of five to seven members including the secretary.
B) A wing. It consists of five cells.
C) A branch. It consists of five wings.
D) An Area. It consists of at least 10 branches.
2. Abroad, the base frameworks are:
A) A cell: It consists of three to five members including the secretary.
B) A wing. It consists of five cells.
C) A branch. It consists of five branches.
D) An Area. It consists of five branches at least in the main arenas and three branches in the student districts.
Article (95)
Obligations of the Base Frameworks
A) Providing members with revolutionary education, strengthening their commitment and discipline, developing their awareness and experiences, and enhancing their active participation according to the programs set by the Mobilization and Organization Commission.
B) Undertaking their tasks enthusiastically and sparing no effort in achieving the movement's objectives and principles.
C) Exerting strenuous efforts to enhance interaction with the masses and winning their respect and confidence.
D) Striving continuously inside popular organizations and maintaining commitment to membership in these organizations.
E) Working strenuously hard to protect the movement and develop its ability to confront and triumph over its enemies. (Emphases mine)
Article (96)
The area committee, the branch committee, the wing committee, and the cell committee, assume the responsibility of leadership, each in its organizational capacity, in the following fields:
A) Teaching their members according to the movement's political program and internal charter.
B) Urging their members to embody the attitudes of the movement and implement its decisions.
C) Upgrading the awareness of their members, increasing their cohesion with the movement, enhancing their active participation, and developing their experience and potential.
D) Increasing the military training of their members and raising their fighting, cultural, and military capabilities. (Emphases mine)
E) Increasing the cohesion of their members with the masses and winning the confidence and trust of the masses.
F) Creating brotherly relations with the bases and organizational ranks.
G) Monitoring the payment of subscriptions, observing the behavior of the members of the movement and their organizational conduct, and ensuring that the members implement the tasks assigned to them. (Emphases mine)
H) Setting the example of sacrifice, active participation, faithfulness and team work.
I) Ensuring speed and reliability in the delivery of reports, information, and leaflets.
J) Paying attention to the members' problems and taking appropriate initiatives to ensure rapid and revolutionary solutions.
K) Examining the members' work fields, identifying positive and negative aspects, and taking then appropriate measures.
L) Questioning the members about their actions and criticizing them for their individualism, negligence, or laziness.
M) Submitting regular reports to the higher committee about the activities of the members.
Chapter Six
Penalties
Article (97)
The aim of the organizational penalty is to:
A) To upgrade positive behavior and develop the personality of the member.
B) To secure the integrity of the movement and eliminate corruption.
Article (98)
The organization penalties are:
A) Reprimand.
B) Warning.
C) Suspension.
D) Demotion.
E) Dismissal.
Article (98)
Organizational violations are three categories:
First category: Dismissal for:
A) Violation of Chapter One of the Internal Charter.
B) Delinquency.
C) Illegal cooperation with any other non-adversary movement and disclosure of the movement's secrets to it. (Emphases mine)
Second category: Suspension or demotion for:
A) Violation of commitment to the movement by not adhering to its political program and decisions.
B) Violation of protection of membership.
C) Violation of the principle of equality among members.
D) Violation of the principle of freedom of speech.
E) Violation of discipline by:
1. Not respecting the Internal Charter.
2. Refusing to obey orders.
3. Discussing organizational matters outside frameworks.
4. Not respecting hierarchy.
5. Offending the masses.
6. Offending other members.
7. Disclosing secrets.
8. Libeling others.
9. Circulating false rumors.
Third category: Reprimand or Warning for:
A) Non-participation in organizational activities for over one month without an acceptable excuse.
B) Refusal to exercise self-criticism when deemed necessary by the respective unit.
C) Late arrival to a meeting without an excuse.
D) Non-engagement in self-education.
E) Exhibition of arrogance and laziness.
Article (100)
Repetition of offenses is a reason for a stricter penalty. If the same offense is repeated, the maximum penalty is imposed.
Article (101)
1. The Central Committee signs the dismissal penalty.
2. In addition to the Central Committee, the Mobilization and Organization Commission and the district committee sign the demotion or suspension penalty.
3. The higher organization rank signs the reprimand penalty.
4. All organizational ranks sign the warning penalty, beginning with the framework in which the member is enrolled.
Article (102)
All ranks are entitled to examine violations by forming investigating committees prior to the passing of sentences. Violations punishable by reprimand are excluded from this rule.
Article (103)
It is permissible to revise a penalty by a rank higher than the rank that signed it. A penalty signed by the Central Committee can only be contested by the Revolutionary Council.
Article (104)
It is permissible to impose a penalty separately or in conjunction with other penalties imposed by the movement's court.
Article (105)
It is impermissible to pass a sentence that combines two organizational penalties for one violation.
Article (106)
It is impermissible to impose a penalty without giving the accused member the right to defend himself, to be heard, and to given time to prove his innocence.
Article (107)
In the event the member refuses to appear before the committee formed to examine the
violations reported against him, he is summoned again within a week, following which a trial takes whether he attends or not, provided it is confirmed that he has been notified.
Article (108)
The Central Committees examines petty crimes and takes the appropriate decision regarding them.
Chapter Seven
Article (109)
The appended regulations and those endorsed by the Revolutionary Council and which were transferred to it by the General Conference, have the same power as the Internal Charter, provided they do not contradict it.
Article (110)
Membership in the movement is a sacred right which can only be acquired by those who enroll in one of the movement's leading or base frameworks.
Article (111)
Working in the movement's commissions, apparatuses, and offices is an added task that does not entail membership, nor does it constitute a substitute for an organizational job in any of the organizational ranks. Similarly, deputizing a member to do any task outside the movement's departments is not a substitute for the movement's organizational framework.
Article (112)
During an organizational meeting, every member has the right to participate in a debate before a decision is made. Debate may be allowed after a decision is made, and a member has the right to object to a decision after it is implemented.
Article (113)
Each member must undertake minimal military training and must be completely qualified to undertake his tasks. (Emphases mine)
Article (114)
A member has the right to know his job description according to the requirements of his membership and his organizational ranks.
Article (115)
A member who is dismissed or is subjected to some arbitrary act without a decision by the movement's court has the right to appeal to the Member Protection Committee
Article (116)
Equality among organizational ranks in committees, offices, and executive departments must be taken into account so that they enjoy equal responsibilities, rights and obligations.
Article (117)
Communication with a district committee member is entrusted to the district committee secretary or one of its members. A district committee member must handle any task assigned to him by the district committee, and this equally applies to an area committee member in the respective area boundary.
Article (118)
Members of the Central Committee who have failed in the General Conference elections have the right to maintain their membership in the conference and to perform any tasks assigned to them by the Central Committee, and this equally applies to the members of the Revolutionary Council.
Article (119)
Women are represented in all the movement's leading frameworks. The leading bodies will work to arrive at 20 percent participation for women, provided this does not conflict with organizational standards or the Internal Charter.
Article (120)
An advisory council for the movement is formed. The council will consist of former Central Committee members, former Revolutionary Council members, and other competent members, within a criterion defined in a special regulation explaining the council's role, task, and membership. The criterion will be approved by the Revolutionary Council.
* The provisions of this Internal Charter were adopted at the Fatah's Sixth General Conference held in Bethlehem during the period 4-11 August 2009. In accordance with the conference's decision, the remaining provisions of the Internal Charter were referred to the Revolutionary Council for approval once and for all.
The remaining provisions were approved at a meeting of the Revolutionary Council in Ramallah during the period 16-19 October 2009.
END
