Foundation and Aims

Foundation

Article 1- Social Democratic People's Party stands for the principles of Social Democracy enriched by Socialist International decisions; that all nations of the world are friends and brothers; people are born free and equal and a person's human rights are acquired even before birth, independent of the place of birth and with no exceptions; proud and protective of this culturally and historically rich land that we call home; believes that we are the proud heirs of the National Pact (Milli Misak) and National Independence War that are the foundations of the Republic of Turkey; defenders of the Atatürk reforms that aimed to raise our nation to the level of developed countries and the era of enlightenment that he directed; aiming at creating a Turkey that is developed, culturally mature, independent, equal and democratic while maintaining the "nation-state" principles; not being afraid to express their beliefs while preserving their sense of responsibility and national consciousness;

It is a political organization founded by people who utilize their political preferences towards the classes that uses their intellectual and physical labors for living and produces employment and production; faces civilization, enlightenment and future.

The headquarters is located in Ankara. Party's symbol is a human being and an olive branch. Its abbreviation is SHP.

Aims

Article 2- Following those principles stated above, believing in human rights and serving to establish a pluralist, modern and inclusive democratic system based on the supremacy of law; international and national solidarity, the participation of organized groups in all of the administrative and production units; implementation of social justice; in order to establish a government that provides for every person to have the equal opportunity to reach the highest possible level that their talent and intellectual capacity fully deserve, the members of this party have been developing their skills and continually educating themselves in science and technology and waiting for the day they can present their knowledge and accomplishments to the people.

Membership

Membership notion

Article 3- In SHP, members are the core of the party.

SHP performs all its activities through its members. That is why it considers that its most important duty is to instill in its members the same political understanding and objectives that the entire party share.

SHP, in order to achieve this aim, undertakes to accept as many members as the party can educate. It also accepts the responsibility to educate new members.

SHP prepares its members for their party duties, governance, and builds an environment that instills in them the sense of responsibility and develops their skills.

The Party expects every member to behave in public as if they were occupying the highest posts of the party.

SHP expects its members to actively participate in NGO's activities in their environment.

Applying for membership

Article 4- Those persons over 18 years of age, who are able to practice their civil and political rights, accept the Party rules, and program, haven't been banned from being a member of a political party by law, and are a member of at least one non-governmental organization are eligible for membership to the party.

No discrimination related to class, religion, language, race, gender, creed, family or profession can be exercised among the membership applicants.

Application for Associate Membership

Article 5- Those who want to become members to the party, can be nominated by two party members and can apply for membership at the party region (town) located near their home, work or school. In addition to the membership form, a photocopy of their national identification card and residency document, or a document from the taxation office their work is registered at, or the professional bodies that their work is registered at, or social security bodies proving that they are registered at either of the organizations, have to be attached to the application form. Students should attach a photocopy of their student identification card.

There will be an initial charge of 6.000.000. TL for applying.  The amount of application and membership fees will be increased in accordance with the reassessment of  "Tax Procedures Law Articles" in that specific year, effective beginning of that calendar year.

The official furnishes the applicant with a hand receipt for application to membership.

Town Executive Committee has to decide on the applications within 15 days. Otherwise the applicant is eligible to take his or her objection to the City Executive Committee.

Those applicants, whose memberships are refused, can oppose the decision at the Province Executive Committee within 10 days of the refusal. The Province Executive Committee's decision, after consulting with the regional Party Committee, is final.

If the application is approved, the person is registered at the associate member book of the town.

The application forms of the associate members have to be sent to the Party headquarters Member Registration Bureau within 10 days. Party headquarters sends back the member databank registration number to the center within 10 days and the number is registered at the associate member book.

The associate membership begins on the day of the application and the associate members list remains on the notice board at the Party regional building.
 
The period of associate membership is 6 months. During this 6-month period, the associate member takes a basic education program conducted by the party school. The associate member also performs the duties given by the party and attends the events held by the party and the NGO that he/she is a member.

Those associate members who are not able to become full members after 6 months, due to not receiving the basic education program or other reasons, will have their associate membership status extended until they receive the education program or when the other reasons are lifted.

Acceptance as Full Member

Article 6- The status of the associate member is determined at the end of the 5th month by the Town Executive Committee. The associate member has to prove that he/she is also a member of an NGO. The evaluation is determined by the achievement of the associate member at the basic education program, his/her attitude in performing the duties assigned by the party and his/her attendance at party functions. Those who are not accepted to full membership have the right to submit their objections to the Province Executive Committee within 10 days of the refusal. The decision of the Province Executive Committee is final. Those who are accepted as full members have their names registered at the Party Headquarters Member Registration Bureau as full members. Party Headquarters Member Registration Bureau prepares a "Party Membership Identification Card" and sends it to the Town Executive Committee within 10 days to be given to the new member.

This card includes information on whether the party dues are paid regularly and whether the member has been attending the party education programs as well as information of his/her identification card details.

Town Executive Council conducts a ceremony before presenting the new members with their "Party Membership Identification Card". Either the Party President of the town, or a person designated by the President asks new members to read and sign a "Party Oath" included in the "Membership Enrollment Registration" after which they receive their identification cards.

Co-Party Member

Article 7- Those citizens over the age of 18, who are able to practice their civil and political rights, accept the Party regulations, principles and program can become  "Co-Party members". Co-Party members are not eligible to vote at the Party elections. They are not obligated to attend the party educational programs or pay a monthly fee. They obtain a Co-Party identification card. Those who want to become Co-Party members, can apply to the town headquarters of the party with a nomination by at least one party member, and is registered in the "Co-Party Member Book". If Co-Party members fulfill the membership requirements they are accepted as associate members.

To Become Member by Central Executive Committee Decision

Article 8- Central Executive Committee can register as full member;

a) Those who has left the party without a disciplinary investigation,

b) Those who had to leave the party due to legal matters and after these matters have become null, would like to re-enter the party,

c) Those who were not able to become members due to legal reasons,

d) Those who were members of another party before, performed as party executives, Municipality Council members, Mayors or parliamentary deputies of other political parties and those persons proposed by the organization, and,

e) Those persons who are deemed to be useful by the Party President. No member can be admitted using this article after Congresses timetable is announced.

Those who have become members using this article have to attend the basic education program prepared by the party school, if they had not taken it before.

Change of Location

Article 9- A member cannot be registered at more than one party branch. If so, all registrations except the last registration is invalid.

A member who moves from his/her town has to inform both the member's old and new party branch. Town executive committee can transfer this member's registration by themselves. If a member moves home without changing the municipality, he or she has to register the new district or village address at the party branch with a document from the mukhtar.

Removal of Membership

Article 10- The removal of the membership of a full or associate member will be under these circumstances:

a) When the member dies,

b) Due to disciplinary offenses as a result of decisions given by disciplinary commissions,

c) If the person is realized not to be satisfying the full legal and regulatory requirements of membership after having become a member,

d) If the qualities that were satisfied when becoming a member has been realized to have been lost after membership,

e) Membership duties are not performed even after repeated warnings,

When the (a) or (b) are realized the town executive committee removes the membership, erases the name from the register and notifies the Headquarters Member Registration Bureau.

Under the (c), (d) or (e) clauses the member's state of affairs and documents are sent to the Province Executive Committee by the Town Executive Committee, within ten days.

The Province Executive Committee requests a written letter from the member, who is informed of removal of membership, within 10 days. If there is no reply within the required period or the reply does not address the issues mentioned in clauses (c) or (d), the Province Executive Committee decides to remove membership and notifies him/her within 10 days.

The person whose membership is removed has the right to object to the Central Executive Committee within 10 days. Central Executive Committee's decision is final.

When the decision is finalized, the Municipality Executive Council removes the name of the person from its register and notifies the General Headquarters Member Registration Bureau.

Rules related to the membership applications and other actions, the conclusion of objections to associate membership status, the shape of the party identification cards, party oath, the foundation, practices and work of the General headquarters Member Registration Bureau, are outlined in the "Member Enrollment Regulations" booklet.

Leaving the Party

Article 11- Every member has the right to leave the party with or without giving a reason. A member who wants to leave the party, have to apply in writing, to the Municipality Executive Council, which he or she is registered at. Party Municipality Executive Council removes the member's name from the associate or full member register and notifies the party City Executive Council and the General Headquarters Member Registration Bureau within 10 days. The party identification card has to be returned with the application letter. General Headquarters Member Registration Bureau, after removing the member's name from its register, notifies the city and municipality councils within 10 days.

Rights and Duties of the Members

Article 12-
 
A) Rights
1. All of the party's duties are open to full members, within the framework of the Regulations.

2. All of the members are allowed to attend every educational event of the party.

3. All of the members have the right to learn about party law, practice and the policies of the party.

4. All of the members are free to voice their opinions, without any restraint at the organizations, only constrained by the party regulations.

B) Duties
1. All of the members of the party are obligated to spread the party regulations, the program, principles of the party, assembly decisions and the election announcements to the public.

2. To attend the meetings and the execution of the decisions of the party assemblies they were elected or appointed to,

3. To work hard for the success of the nominated candidates of the party during the elections,

4. To do his or her utmost to intellectually contribute to the party,

5. To join non-governmental organizations, social or professional associations, attend their activities and report the decisions and opinions of those to the party bodies,

6. To pay between TL6.000.000 (six million) and TL6.000.000.000 (six billion) annually to the party as fees. Full members who have not paid their fees on time will not be able to practice their right to vote or getting elected at the party assembly elections.

The Organization
Party Organizations

Article 13- Party organization consists of two separate groups.

1. Main organization
2. Horizontal organization

Main Organization Bodies

Article 14- Main organization consists of central bodies, city bodies, Turkish Parliament Party Group, City General Assembly Groups and Municipality Assembly Groups.

A) Central Party Bodies

a) General Assembly
b) Party President
c) Party Assembly
d) Central Executive Council
e) Central Disciplinary Council
f) Youth Assembly
g) Women's Assembly

B) City Party Bodies

a) City Congress
b) City President of the Party
c) City Executive Council
d) City Disciplinary Council
e) City Youth and Women's Assembly

C) Municipality Party Bodies

a) Municipality Congress
b) Municipality President of the Party
c) Municipality Executive Council
d) Municipality Youth and Women's Assemblies

D) District Party Bodies

E) Party Groups

a) Turkish Parliament Party Group General Assembly
b) Turkish Parliament Executive Council
c) Turkish Parliament Disciplinary Council
d) City General Assembly Party Groups
e) Town council Party Groups

Municipality and City Party Bodies

Municipality Party Bodies

Article 15- Municipality bodies consist of Municipality Congress, Municipality President of the Party, Municipality Youth and Women's Assemblies, and District Executive Councils.

District Party Bodies

Article 16- A district party center is founded outside the centers of municipalities and cities, where a town council and at least 5 members are present. The number of executive members of a district is determined by the population and other characteristics of the area, and is decided by the City Executive Councils.

Municipality Party Bodies

Article 17- Municipality Congress;

The members of the municipality congress are as follows:

1. Municipality President of the party, Municipality Executive Council, the Presidents of the Youth and Women's Congress', District Presidents of the party elected at the previous congress and if there are any, Mayors belonging to the party of the municipalities and districts.

2. Municipality Congress representatives, selected by the city executive council depending on the party's vote percentage in the previous elections, from municipalities, villages and neighborhoods having over 400 party members.

In municipalities with less than 400 members, all full members are members of the municipality congress.  Municipality Congress, formed as stated above, cannot exceed 400 members.  The agenda of the congress is selected by the municipality executive council and should deal primarily with the problems of the municipality.

The decisions reached, problems identified and opinions announced at the congress, if necessary, should be sent, in writing, to be discussed at the city congress.

Municipality President of the Party, Municipality Executive Council and City representative can be elected during a congress attended by all of the full members.

Municipality President of the Party, Municipality Executive Council and City representative elections will be held separately and under judicial supervision, with the participation of the congress members. To be a candidate at the municipality elections, the person has to have been a member for at least one year. (This rule is not applicable at the first congress after the foundation and for candidates put forward by the Central Executive Council.)

Timetables for the Municipality congress are determined by the Party Assembly and it should be held no sooner than every two and not later than every three years.

After the announcement of the "Congress and General Assembly Timetable", those who want to be candidates for the Municipality President of the Party or membership at the Municipality Executive Council have to submit their brief biography to the City Executive Council, within the period set forth in the timetable for the municipality elections. City Executive Council will post the names of the candidates at both, the city and the municipality party headquarters, during a period indicated in "Congress and General Assembly Timetable", in order to inform the members.  At a predetermined date by the City Executive Council, and under the supervision of party controllers, all of the full members will vote to elect the candidates for the nominee Municipality President of the Party and Municipality Executive Council.  If a single candidate achieves absolute majority, one nominee, but if no majority is achieved, two candidates with the largest percentage of votes will become the nominees of the City Executive Council for the post of Municipality President of the Party.  Candidates for the Municipality Executive Council and City Representative are supposed to apply Chief Municipality in writing at least one day before the congress.

Other than the municipality president, in municipalities with a population of less than 100 000 have (8), municipalities with a population less than 300 000 have (10) and municipalities with a population of more than 300 000 have (12) members at their Executive Councils. Besides those, at least half as many alternate members are elected.

During the Municipality Executive Council elections "proportional representation" is mandatory. Number of candidates from both sexes, if there are any, cannot be less than %33 in accordance with the principle determined by the regulations. Those candidates with less than 1/10 of the valid votes cannot be elected to become Municipality President, a member or an alternate member of the Executive Council, and City Representative.

Municipality Presidents of the Party

Article 18- Municipality Presidents represent the party in their municipality.

They direct the Municipality Executive Council's work, and ensure that the council does not drift away from the regulations and executive rules of the party.

The President allocates various party duties to the Executive Council Members and all of the party members in their municipality.

Party's communications with the public and private institutions located in the municipality, are done by the President.

They form work groups dealing with the problems of the municipality and conduct events with local non-governmental organizations.

Municipality Presidents are responsible for publicizing the party and the party's program in their municipality and have to initiate events before elections in order to attract voters.

Normally, Municipality Executive Councils meet every 15 days. An executive council member, who does not attend three consecutive meetings without reason, loses his or her post. An Executive Council, which does not carry out three consecutive meetings, is dissolved and the elections are renewed in accordance with the rules.

City Congress

Article 19- Members of the city congress are as follows:

1) The City President of the party, City Executive Council, the Presidents of the Youth and Women's Assembly elected in the previous congress.

2) The members of the Disciplinary Council elected in the previous congress.

3) Mayors, if any, belonging to the party.

4) Parliamentary deputies, if any, from the city belonging to the party.

5) "City Representatives" from the municipalities. Number of those individuals, coming from each municipality, are determined by the City Executive Council, depending on the votes the party obtained in the previous national elections.

The number of members of a City Congress cannot exceed 600.

The agenda of the City Congress should primarily deal with the problems of the city.

Election of the City President of the Party and City Executive Council

Article 20- After the announcement of the "Congress and General Assembly Timetable" those members, who want to be candidates for the City President of the Party, have to submit their brief biography, within the period set forth in the timetable, to the General Secretariat.  General Secretariat will forward those names to all the municipality party centers to inform the candidates, within the period set forth in the "Congress and General Assembly Timetable.  At a date determined by the "Congress and General Assembly timetable", all of the full members, who are eligible to vote and to be elected, vote at the polling booths located at every municipality center, under the supervision of the party controllers, to elect the candidate for the City President of the party, their municipality belongs to. If any of the candidates achieve absolute majority a single candidate, but if no majority is achieved, two candidates with the largest percentage of the votes, will become the nominees of the Municipality Presidents for the post of City President of the party at the City Congress.  Those who would like to become candidates for City Executive Council, City Disciplinary Council, and General Assembly Membership, should apply to the Party City Directorate, in writing, at lease one day before the congress.  Those, who apply for these positions, have to be a member of the Party for at least one year. (This rule is not applicable at the first congress after the establishment of the Party, and for candidates put forward by the Central Executive Council.)

At a City Congress, besides the City President of the Party, in cities with a population less than 100 000 (10), cities with a population less than 300 000 (12), cities with a population less than 2 million (14) and cities with a population more than 2 million (18) Executive Council members, with at least half as many as alternate members are elected.

City President of the Party, City Executive Council, City Disciplinary Council and General Assembly membership elections at the City Congress are conducted separately and under judicial supervision. 

In addition, after electing a representative for every city, a certain number of "General Assembly representatives" are elected, determined by the "Central Executive Council", based on the percentage of the votes the Party obtained in the previous elections.

Timetables for the City Congresses are determined by Party Assembly, and should be held no sooner than every two, and no later than every three years.

During the City Executive Council elections "proportional representation" is mandatory.  Number of candidates from both sexes, if any, cannot be less than  %33.  Those candidates with less than 1/10 of the valid votes cannot be elected to become City President,  member of the Executive Council, City Disciplinary Council, and representative for the General Assembly.

City Presidents of the Party

Article 21- City Presidents represent the party in their municipality.

They direct the city executive council's work and ensure that the council does not drift away from the regulations and executive rules of the party.

The President allocates various party duties to the Executive Council members and all of the party members in the city.

Party's relationship with the public and private institutions located in the city are done by the President.

They form work groups dealing with the problems of the city, and conduct events with local non-governmental organizations.

City Presidents are responsible for publicizing the party and the party's program in their municipality, and have to initiate social and cultural events, and, sports activities before elections in order to attract voters.  He coordinates and controls the work of the municipality administrations.

Normally, City Executive Councils meet every 15 days. An Executive council member, who does not attend three consecutive meetings without reason, loses his or her post. An executive council, which does not carry out three consecutive meetings, is dissolved and the city elections are renewed.

Deputy City and Municipality Presidents of the Party

Article 22- City President of the party selects a Deputy City President from among the City Executive council members. If there is more than one election region in the city, one Deputy City President responsible for each election region has to be selected. In the absence of the City President, he or she delegates the presidency to one of the Deputy City Presidents.

Municipality President of the party selects a Deputy President among the Municipality Executive Board members.  During the absence of the Municipality President, he/she assumes duty.

Secretary and Accountant members

Article 23- City and Municipality Executive Councils choose, by secret ballot and absolute majority, a secretary, an accountant member and an education secretary among themselves.

A) Secretary Member

a) Conducts all of the correspondence of the party,

b) Organizes the Executive council meetings,

c) Helps the President to carry out and inspect the party work.

B) Accountant Member

a) Responsible for the bookkeeping of the municipality or city party centers and prepares the balance sheets and the budget,

b) Inspects the financial books of the subordinate units,

c) Collects membership fees in the municipalities. Examines and warns those members who do not pay,

d) Protects the movable and unmovable objects of the party,

C) Education Secretary
Conducts the educational programs of the party at the municipality or city level in collaboration with superior councils.

Duties of City and Municipality Executive Council

Article 24-
1) To promote party's principles, program, election reports in public, to increase the vote potential of the party and to refute anti-party propaganda,

2) To implement the regulations, Congress conclusions and put in to practice the decisions and requests made by the high level bodies of the party,

3) To inspect and increase the productivity of the sub-units of the party,

4) To examine the activities of other parties in their area of responsibility, and convey their opinions to the higher echelons of the party,

5) To work for the success of the party candidates in all of the elections. With this in view, to form work programs and election groups, organization of the election strategy, to appoint and educate polling booth officials and to make sure they remain at their posts until the final election results are announced,

6) To investigate the region's economic and social problems, and to discuss and decide on a solution program and, convey their opinions to the higher echelons of the party,

7) To inform the central party executive council, and put together social, cultural and political public events,

8) To form "Discussion Groups" for finding solutions for the important national and regional problems,

9) When seen necessary, to appoint neighborhood, work place, housing estate or village officials for party work,

10) To choose a secretary, accountant and education secretary among themselves, by secret ballot.

Reservations and Other Issues

Article 25- Second degree blood relatives, associates, husband and wives cannot work together in the same executive council.

A member cannot serve in more than one executive council.

Operational rules and principles of Municipality and City organizations, congress activities and elections, are arranged by the regulations.

Party President

Article 26- Party President represents the party.

Party President heads every party organization except the disciplinary councils.  In SHP, Party President is nominated by means of a survey of the members with the right to vote and get elected, and is chosen by General Assembly members.

After the announcement of "Congress and General Assembly Timetable", those members who want to become nominated for the party presidency, have to apply to the General Secretariat, within the period set forth in the timetable, with a brief biography and a letter of recommendation signed by at least 1/20 of Assembly participants.  General Secretariat sends these applications and brief biographies to all of he party organizations. At a date determined by the Central Executive Council, all full members at the city and municipality levels, who have the right to vote or to be elected, vote for the Party President nominees. The individual, who obtains the absolute majority of the votes, is nominated as the sole candidate at the General Assembly, by all City Presidents.  If this is not achieved, two nominees, who best performed are sent to the General Assembly by the City Presidents of the Party, as nominees for the party presidency.  No one except these nominees can be a candidate for the Party president at the General Assembly.  Attendance inspections for the party presidency elections are done under the supervision of party controllers. Party President is elected for the period until the following usual Party Congress.

Party Presidents, who occupies the post for 7 years, cannot be nominated for the consequent term.

Party President can call on a joint or separate meeting with party executive councils, party officials and party organizations. Party Presidents can call a General Assembly when he or she deems it necessary.

Party President can notify and appoint duties to every party organization and inspects the results.

Party President appoints as many Deputy Party Presidents as he/she deems essential, from among the Central executive council, and gives them authority.

Naturally, if the party wins the right to establish a government, the Party President is expected to become the Prime Minister. But, before the elections an Assembly called by 2/3 of the Party Assembly can name, with the majority of the votes, a different member as "Prime Ministerial candidate".

Deputy Party Presidents

Article 27- Party President appoints as many Deputy Party Presidents as he deems essential from among the Central Executive Council, and gives them authority. These appointments are related with issues outside the authority of General Secretary and General Accountant.

Party Assembly

Article 28- Party Assembly consists of Party President and 60 members selected by the General Assembly. The same number of reserve members are also elected at the General Assembly. The Presidents of the Youth and Women's Assemblies, at the General Headquarter level, are natural members of the Party Assembly. If there are a sufficient number of candidates, the percentage of both sexes cannot be less than 33%( thirty-three percent).  Those candidates with less than 1/10 valid votes can not be elected as a member of Party Assembly.  Party President is the chairman of the Party Assembly. Party Assembly, is the highest-level organ of the party, after the General Assembly.

Party Assembly creates the general policies of the party.

Party Assembly, normally, meets every month. The agenda of the meeting is formed by consulting with both, the Party President and General Secretary, and the members are sent documents and information about projects to be discussed, at least 3 days prior to the meeting.

Issues, put forward in writing by at least 1/3 of the members, are also put on the agenda.

Party President can call for a meeting whenever he/she deems it necessary. Additionally, a meeting can be called by a written request of 1/3 of the members, with those calling the meeting, forming the agenda.

Duties and the Authority of the Party Assembly

Article 29- Party Assembly, after the General Assembly, is the highest-level organ of the party.

a) It can reach decisions on every issue except the authority given to the General Assembly by law and party regulations,

b) It forms the policies and strategies of the party according to the party program, and General Assembly decisions. It creates the election report. It publicizes party policies and tries to get them accepted by the public,

c) It decides on the formation of governments, being a coalition partner or withdrawing from the government. During these decisions, Turkish Parliament party group Deputy Presidents and group executive council members, attend the meeting,

d) It comments on the government program, which was wholly or partly created by the party.

e) It drafts the proposals for the issues to be discussed at the General Assembly, and prepares the party's performance report to be presented to the General Assembly. It examines the proposals that were received from the City Congresses, and sends the agreed proposals to the "Preparation Commissions". After these proposals come back from the preparation commissions, they are reassessed and appropriate ones are sent to the General Assembly,

f) It examines and approves or vetoes the annual budget,

g) It discusses the proposed changes to party regulations or program, prepares a proposal to be presented to the General Assembly,

h) It presents its opinion to be sent to the General Assembly, about joining another party or to end the judicial persona of the party,

i) It decides on whether or not the party should participate in the elections, and determines the method of selecting candidates for the elections according to the regulations.

j) It decides on the quota candidates of the party for the general or midterm parliamentary elections. If necessary, it selects candidates for the local municipality elections.

k) It selects the General Secretary in a secret ballot and by absolute majority.  Candidates for the General Secretary are nominated by a written letter of recommendation, by 1/3 of the Assembly or the Party President. Later, in a secret ballot and by absolute majority they elect 20 each Central Executive Council members.

 In all of the selection procedures, no majority is sought in the third round.

l) It decides on the education program of all the members,

m) When necessary, it calls for a general Assembly by a 2/3 majority, in order to chose a "Prime Ministerial candidate" other than the Party President,

n) It employs other duties, uses its authority determined by the law and party regulations.

Central Executive Council

Article 30- Central Executive Council is consisted of 20 members elected by Party President, Secretary General and Party Assembly.

Central Executive Council, normally, meets every week. Party President can call for a meeting of the Central Executive Council, whenever he/she deems it necessary.

Party President is the head of the Central Executive Council.  During his absence, Secretary General represents him at the meeting.

Decisions reached by the Central Executive Board are with the majority votes of the participants.  In case votes are equal, President's vote is considered as two.

Duties of the Central Executive Council

Article 31- It is the highest executive body in the party.

a) It puts into practice, the decisions reached by General and Party Assemblies. It publicizes the party program and the party principles. It implements policies in order for the party to win elections.

b) It executes the relationship of the party with other parties, other organizations and the government according to the principles and the decisions set by the Party Assembly,

c) It conducts the research, publications and intra-party education programs,

d) It supervises the preparations for the ordinary or extraordinary General Assemblies,

e) It prepares the annual budget, and implements the budget after its approval by the party Assembly. It prepares the balance sheet to be presented to the General Assembly and relevant bodies,

f) It establishes, controls and inspects the General Headquarters Member Registration Bureau. It prepares the reports that have to be submitted to Supreme Court Attorney-General.

g) It conducts the party's international correspondence. It is responsible for the expansion of the party among the Turkish citizens living abroad,

h) It prepares the draft of the working paper to be approved by the Party Assembly and to be submitted to the General Assembly,

i) It prepares and submits decrees, expected by the party regulations, to the Party Assembly,

j) It inspects and watches over the work of the City and Municipality party centers and takes precautions.

k) It appoints founder executives at the newly established City and Municipality party centers,

l) It discusses and approves the educational programs composed by the Party School.

m) It elects the General Accountant among them with the proposal of the President, by the majority of the votes.

General Secretary

Article 32- General Secretary is a direct member of the Central Executive Council. With the approval of the party President, he/ she appoints as many deputies from the Central executive council as he/she desires, and tasks them.

General Secretary is the implementer of the executive bodies decisions. General Secretary is the post to apply in the party. The General Secretary conducts the relations with the party organization and provides the communication.

When necessary, General Secretary proposes, to the Central Executive Council, the appointment of an inspector.

General Secretary conducts the relationship between Turkish Parliament Party Group, Central Executive Council and Party Assembly.

General Secretary represents the Party President at government functions and departments, in court and in correspondence with public or private persons. Deputy General Secretary, authorized in a letter by the General Secretary, can also represent the Party President.

General Secretary assumes duties of the Party President during his/her absence.  In case both, Party President and Secretary General are absent, a deputy tasked by the Party President represents the President. 

During the absence of the Secretary General, one of the deputies appointed by him/her represents the Secretary General.

The conduct and performance of the Party Assembly, Central Executive Council, General Secretary and Deputy General Secretaries are determined by the "General Headquarters Work regulations".

Deputy General Secretaries

Article 33- General Secretary, with the approval of the Party President, appoints as many deputies from among the Central Executive Council as he/she deems it necessary.   There will be at least three deputies, who will be responsible for the "Party Organization", "Party Education" and "Foreign Relations".

Deputy General Secretary Responsible for the Party Organization

Article 34- is responsible to help the General Secretary in cooperating between the national and international party organizations.

Deputy General Secretary Responsible for Party Education

Article 35- is responsible to help the General Secretary in forming and implementing party educational programs.

Deputy General Secretary Responsible for Foreign Relations

Article 36- is responsible for helping the General Secretary to conduct relations and arrange activities with members living overseas.

General Accountant

Article 37- General accountant is responsible for the collection of the party revenues, for inspection and control of the party expenditures, budget and balance sheet calculations in agreement with the law and the party regulations. General accountant is also responsible to see if party members are paying their dues regularly.

In SHP, openness of the financial records is a policy. General accountant is responsible to publish, in complete transparency, the receipts and expenditures, balance sheets of the party every 3 months on the computer network of the party, and to the public.

Distrust for the Central Executive Council

Article 38- Members of the Central executive council can be dismissed of their posts one at a time, or altogether, if the 2/5 of the members of the Party Assembly put forward a motion to dismiss, and 2/3 of the Party Assembly approves this motion in a secret ballot. Those members of the Central Executive Council, who have been implicated, cannot attend the secret ballot. If all of the Central Executive Council is implicated all members attend the ballot.

The above ruling stands true for the General Secretary as well.  

Vacancy of the Party Posts

Article 39- Leaving party posts totally depends on ones volition. If one is the party body's President, one has to apply to the superior body to leave the post.

Party President conveys his/her wish to depart the post to Party Assembly through the Secretary General.

When a party post is voluntarily vacated or is vacant due to other reasons, the new official for the post is selected using the rules below.

A) When the Party Presidency becomes vacant;
General Secretary calls for a meeting of the Party Assembly within 3 days. Party Assembly determines a date for an election for the post of Party President within 30 days, and rapidly performs all the functions laid out in the Party regulations for the election of the party presidency.

The General Assembly for the election of the Party President has to take place no later than 45 days after the departure of the last Party President.

B) When other party posts becomes vacant;
a) When the post of General Secretary becomes vacant, the article related to the election of the General Secretary is activated.  In case a position in the Central Executive Council becomes available, a new member is elected with a secret ballot in the Party Assembly.

b) When a membership of the Party Assembly becomes vacant, a reserve member is appointed according to seniority. If all of the reserve members have been called upon service in the Party Assembly and still the number of Party Assembly members falls below the 2/3 of the full capacity, Party President activates the article related to realize Party Assembly elections.

c) When the post of City Party Presidency becomes vacant and if there is less than 1 year to the next City Congress, a new President is elected by the City Executive Council from among its own members, or the other members of the party, to complete the old President's term of office. Election is conducted by secret ballot and an absolute majority method. If there is more than 1 year to the next City Congress, the City Party President is elected by the nomination of a candidate by all the full members in the city and an election at the City Congress according to the article related to the election of City Party President.

d) When the post of Municipality Party Presidency becomes vacant, the same method that was used for the City Party President is used, in order to appoint a new President. 

e) When a membership post in the Municipality and City Executive Council becomes vacant, reserve members are called to fill the vacancy. If all reserve members are called and still less than 2/3 of the council remains active, superior body of the party carries out a new election latest within 30 days for the Municipality or City Executive Councils.

f) If 2/5 of the full members of a Municipality Party Center send a written petition, with the approval of the public notary, for the renewal of the Municipality Party President or the Municipality Executive Council elections, one higher body of the party is responsible for carrying out a new election within 30 days.

g) If 2/5 of the full members of a City Party Center send a written petition, with the approval of the public notary, for the renewal of the City Party President or the City Executive Council elections, Central executive Council is responsible for carrying out a new election latest within 30 days in accordance with the rules.

Dismissal from a Party Post

Article 40- In SHP, being appointed to a party post by election and leaving the same post by another election is the standard practice.
But;
a) If a party official is accused of a crime by a superior body of the party or by an inspector report, a superior body can temporarily discharge the official, suspend his/her powers or withdraw the use of membership rights and send the official to the authorized disciplinary council, by a 2/3 majority.

b) If the crime committed is an offense perpetrated by a whole Municipality or City Executive council, a superior body can temporarily discharge the council, suspend their powers or withdraw the use of their membership rights and send the whole council to the authorized Disciplinary Council, by a 2/3 majority.   Superior Body assumes duties in the meantime.

c) A person or persons, who have been temporarily discharged by the superior body using the articles (a) and (b), have the right to object to the authorized Disciplinary Council within (3) days. Disciplinary Councils reach a verdict latest within (7) days.  This verdict is final.

d) Failure to accomplish duties in accordance with the rules and regulations, or behavior contrary to the party principles and programs, or contrary to the decisions of the general assembly and the authorized committee's, can result president of a City, Town or Municipality and/or administrators to be dismissed by the superior party body they belong to, or by the Central Executive Committee, based on the inspection report, and by at least 2/3 of the majority, and new ones may be appointed.  To fill these positions by new elections, Municipality Congress need to be carried out within at least 30 days, and City Congress within at least 45 days.  These congresses can be postponed if general election is being conducted.  Presidents of City, Municipality and District, who are dismissed, have the right to object to the Central Executive Council within 7 days.  The decision of the Central Executive Council is final.

Party Inspectors

Article 41- Party Inspectors are selected by the Central Executive Council, from among full members who have the ability to detect possible managerial and financial irregularities.

The number, qualities, duties and authority of the Party Inspectors are determined in "Party Inspectors Regulations".

Small Assembly

Article 42- It is the supreme "Consulting body" of the party.

a) Party President
b) Members of the Party Assembly
c) Parliamentary Deputies and Ministers of the Party
d) City Party Presidents
e) Mayors from the Party, and,
representatives from the organizations and/or persons attending the Assembly by request from the Party President.

The working rules of the Small Assembly are determined in "Small Assembly Consulting Committees' Regulations".

Small Assembly meets at least once a year.

City and Municipality Consultancy Committees

Article 43- By adapting the Small Assembly to the City and Municipality level, at least once a year, City and Municipality Consultancy Committees meet.

With the approval of the superior party body, more than one municipality or city can conduct a joint Consultancy Committee meeting.

General Assembly

Article 44- It is the supreme body of the party. All members of the party have to obey the decisions of the General Assembly.

The decisions made at the General Assembly are announced to the media and the public.
General Assembly members are;

a) Party President
b) Members of the Party Assembly
c) Central Disciplinary Council
d) Founding members who still have active memberships
e) Elected representatives from General Central Women's and Youth Assembly and their Presidents
f) Ministers and Parliamentary deputies from the party
g) Elected representatives from the City Party centers, in accordance with the party rule.
The number of General Assembly members, elected this way, cannot exceed twice the number of deputies of the Turkish Parliament.

Due to the status they carry, members of the General Assembly cannot be elected to become a member of the City Congress.

Party members who had been Party President, Deputy Party President, General Secretary, Deputy General Secretary, member of the Party Assembly, Chairman of the Turkish Parliament, Prime Minister, Minister and deputies in the Turkish parliament and City party Presidents, Mayors are invited to the General Assembly as honorary members. Honorary members can make speeches but cannot cast a vote.
General Assembly, normally, is convened, at the latest, every 3 years.

Under extraordinary conditions, Party President, Party Assembly or a petition by 1/5 of the General Assembly members can call for a General Assembly. The agenda of this extraordinary General Assembly is set by, those who called for it.

An election cannot be put on the agenda of the extraordinary General Assembly. But 1/5 of the General Assembly member can call for a vote of no confidence for the Party President and/or Party Assembly. If the majority of the Assembly accepts this call, a new election for the Party President and/or Party Assembly takes place within 45 days. The rapid election timetable is set and managed by the Central Executive Council.

The sufficient number of members for a General Assembly is majority of the full number of members.

If the sufficient majority cannot be set at the first General Assembly after the call, a second General Assembly is convened with those in attendance.

For decisions about altering party regulations or party policies, the proposal has to be submitted to the General Assembly by the Party President, Party Assembly, or by at least 1/20 of the General Assembly members. 

In case number of founding members exceed %15 of the elected General Assembly members, Founding Council, at least 30 days prior to the date of the General Assembly, meets and elects General Assembly members among themselves.

Authority of the General Assembly

Article 45-

a) To elect the Party President,

b) To elect the members of the Party Assembly and Central Disciplinary Council by secret ballot from among the candidates who applied to the General Secretariat at least one week before the Assembly with a letter of recommendation from at least 20 General Assembly members,
c) To discuss and decide on the work report of the Party Assembly,

d) To alter the Party Regulations and Program,

e) To approve or veto the Party revenues and expenses,

f) To direct the Party in issues which affect the country and the government, or take binding decisions.

g) To decide on the dissolution or merging with another party of SHP and consequently the liquidation or transfer of party's equities.

h) To examine and decide on the reports sent by the Preparation Commissions,

i) When required, to appoint a "Prime Ministerial candidate" nominated by the Party Assembly, apart from the Party President, with a 2/3 majority.

j) It employs other duties determined by the law and party regulations to the General Assembly.  The way General Assembly works, is determined by the "Assembly Study Regulation"

Youth Assembly

Article 46- The formation, work and its relations with other party bodies of the Youth Assembly are determined by the "Youth Assembly Regulations." At every level of the party organization (District, Municipality, City and Party Assembly) the President and a representative of the Youth Assembly are natural members of the local party organization.

Women's Assembly

Article 47- The formation, work and its relations with other party bodies of the Women's Assembly are determined by the "Women's Assembly Regulations." At every level of the party organization (District, Municipality, City and Party Assembly) the President and a representative of the Women's Assembly are natural members of the party organization.

Horizontal Party Bodies

Article 48- The Party establishes in the cities, municipalities, by the decision of the executive councils, and in the center by the decision of the Party Assembly;

a) Special Neighborhood organizations,
b) Special University organizations,
c) Special work place organizations,
d) River Basin, regional, metropolitan special organizations that can include more than one municipality or city,
e) Platforms,

Besides these special organizations, Party conducts educational programs for the children of the members, who are between 12 and 17 years old, without any indoctrination, in order to instill in the children a sense of national consciousness, responsibility of being a citizen and cooperation. This program is called "the Children of the Democratic Secular Republic".

Platforms

Article 49- By the decision of the Party Assembly;

a) Science Platform,
b) Culture - Art Platform
c) Labor Platform
d) Small and Medium scale enterprises Platform
e) Farming Platform
f) Rights and Freedoms Platform
g) And platforms for other relevant issues can be established.

Central Executive Council chooses persons and non-governmental organizations that will be appointed to such platforms. Party president calls for a meeting of the Platforms at least twice a year, in order to listen to their opinions and discuss their concerns.

The establishment, working practices and relations with the main party bodies are determined by the "Horizontal Organizations Regulations".

Education

Article 50- In SHP, education within the party is the founding stone of the organization. To receive education from the party is both the right and duty of every member from the Party president to the associate member.

The Party School structured like a "Political Academy" carries out education within the party. Those members who are invited to the education program, but fail to attend three consequent classes, lose their membership rights.

The Principle of the Party School

Article 51- Party President appoints, as the "Principle of the Party School", a professional and capable party member with qualities that prove that he or she possesses the knowledge to run the party school.

The Principle is responsible for the structuring, control and assessment of the educational programs at all levels of the party, inspired by the other Socialist International member parties' intra-party educational programs.

One of the primary duties of the Party President and the Party Assembly is to find the necessary funding for the smooth progress and function of the Party School.

The founding and work of the Party School is determined by the "Party School Regulations".

The Selection of the Party Candidates

Article 52- Those who want to be party candidates at the coming elections, have  to submit;
a) Their brief biography,
b) A list of their publications, if there are any,
c) An approved copy of their Party Identification Card, which proves that they paid their party fees regularly, and successfully completed the education programs they were invited to,
d) Other documents required by law, to the application centers, determined by the "Pre-election and Candidate Regulations".

An official commission will examine these documents and decline the applications that are from people, who are legally ineligible for standing for elections, those that have failed to pay their fees regularly, and those that failed or did not attend the education seminars that they were invited to. 

If the Central Executive Council deems it necessary, it can establish "Assessing Commissions" in order to examine on the spot the potential candidates who passed from the official commission.

Pre-election

Article 53- In SHP, the filing of potential candidates, and their orders, are determined in a pre-election attended by all the full members of that election region, and under the supervision of judicial controllers.

Selection of the Candidates by the Central Organization

Article 54- For the Turkish Parliamentary elections, in the event that;

a) The election region does not have a party center,

b) There are less applications than the number of parliamentary deputy positions available in the region,

c) The pre-election is deemed unsatisfactory by the authorities,
the candidates and their orders are determined by the Party Assembly.
Additionally, under certain circumstances, for party interests or the importance of the region might compel the Party Assembly to chose part or all of the region's parliamentary deputy candidates.  The candidates chosen in this way cannot exceed %5 of the number of deputies of the Turkish Parliament.

Selection of the Candidates for Local Elections

Article 55- The method of selection of the candidates for local elections is determined by  "SHP Pre-election and Candidacy Regulations".

The Announcing of the Candidates of the Party

Article 56- Party President ensures the timely submission of the list of party candidates, selected by pre-elections and those chosen by the Party Assembly, to the Supreme Election Commission. 

Those members whose candidacies are assured have to go through an education seminar in order to familiarize themselves with their regions executive council.

To Fill in the Gaps in the Lists of Party Candidates

Article 57- If there happens to be gaps within the lists of Party Candidates for whatever reason before the finalization of the lists, and if those gaps cannot be filled by moving up candidates according to the files, the gaps are filled by the Central Executive Council.

"Pre-election and Candidacy Regulations" determine candidacy and rules governing pre-election procedures.

Party Groups

Turkish Parliament Party Group

Article 58- Turkish Parliament Party group consists of parliamentary deputies of the party. Party group conducts its legislative duties by its own decisions within the boundaries set by the party Program, General Assembly decisions and Election Announcement.

Party President is the chairman of the Party Group and Party Group Executive Council. The workings of the Turkish Parliament Party Group are determined by the "Turkish parliament Group Regulations".

Turkish Parliament Group Disciplinary Council

Article 59- It is chosen by the Group Executive Council and consists of (5) full and (4) alternate members.

Turkish Parliament Group Disciplinary Council decides on unbecoming behavior of the party's parliamentary deputies, who behave contrary to group's binding decisions, discipline, regulation and honor, perpetrates crimes against party, and intervenes in arguments between deputies, after the Group Executive Council requests its involvement.

Municipality and City General Assembly Party Groups

Article 60- The party members, elected to the City and Municipality General Assemblies form their own party groups.

If the municipality mayor is a party member, he/she is the chairman of the group. If not, they elect a chairman by secret ballot and absolute majority, from among themselves. Same rules apply for Metropolitan General Assemblies.

If the City Party President deems it necessary, he/she can call a separate or joint meeting of the Mayors, Municipality and City General Assembly Party Groups.

The City General Assembly chairman is the City Party President.

Municipality Groups cannot make binding decisions involving the governing authority of the Mayor of the Municipality. The "Municipality and City General Assembly Party Groups Regulations" determine municipality and City General Assembly Party Groups' working practices.

Disciplinary Issues

Disciplinary Councils

Article 61- Disciplinary Councils have the authority and duty to investigate and punish the party crimes of the members, party executives or organizations.

Those members, who perpetrate activities unbecoming of the privileged position their party membership provides, and, who work against party regulations, program and General Assembly decisions, are considered to have committed party crimes. Judicial charges against these actions do not stop a party disciplinary investigation.

a) Central Disciplinary Council consists of (9) full members and (9) reserve members elected in the General Assembly.
b) City Disciplinary Councils consist of (5) full members and (5) reserve members elected in the City Congress.

To be selected for the Disciplinary Council, the member should have no disciplinary charges against him or herself, even though they might have received a pardon.

The Duties of the Disciplinary Councils

Article 62- Disciplinary Councils have the authority and duty to investigate and punish the party crimes of the members, party executives or organizations.

Those members who perpetrate activities unbecoming of the privileged position their party membership provide and who work against party regulations, program and General Assembly decisions, are considered to have committed party crimes. Judicial charges against these actions do not stop a party disciplinary investigation.

Authority

Article 63- Disciplinary investigations and punishment of the members of the Party Assembly, Parliamentary Deputies, City and Municipality Party Presidents, City and Municipality Mayors and City Disciplinary Council members are done by the Central Disciplinary Council.

a) Central Executive Council requests from the Turkish Parliament Group Executive Council the transfer of the parliamentary deputy, who committed a party crime, to the Turkish Parliament Group Disciplinary Council. Group Executive Council transfers this request with its own opinion to the Group Disciplinary Council within 15 days. Group Disciplinary Council gives its judgment within 15 days. If the judgment does not satisfy the Central Executive Council, it can apply to the Central Disciplinary Council. The decision of the Central Disciplinary Council is final.

b) The party crimes of other members of the party are investigated and judged by the City Disciplinary Council, upon request from the City Executive Council.

c) A member sent to the Disciplinary Council with a possible permanent or temporary dismissal from the party, can have all his/her membership rights revoked or can be released from all his/her responsibilities in the party, by the council.

d) Party President and the General Secretary can initiate a disciplinary investigation if they deem it necessary.

Party Crimes

Article 64- Party crimes are defined as follows:

a) To act contrary to Party Regulations and Program, decisions made by the General Assembly and other official party organizations,

b) To support public activities and political movements in opposition to the party principles and political objectives,

c) To perpetrate actions, which are detrimental to the party, to make verbal and/or written propaganda,

d) To publicize the decisions and minutes of secret meetings and secret documents and information,

e) Character assassination of party members,

f) To physically assault a party member during party work, to perpetrate acts that are damaging to the discipline and harmony of the party,

g) To work with candidates from other parties against party candidates,

h) To register fake members or temper with registrations,

i) Absence from voting with no plausible cause,

j) To obstruct or perform unsatisfactorily on duties assigned, in compliance with party regulations, by the official party bodies,

k) To earn or attempt to earn financial benefits by using the status of membership to the party.

Disciplinary Punishments

Article 65- By the decision of the Disciplinary Council, those members who commit the above mentioned party crimes are;

a) Temporarily dismissed from the party or,
b) Permanently dismissed from the party.

Members who are temporarily dismissed from the party cannot make use of the rights and privileges granted to party member for the duration of the sentence. If they are parliamentary deputies, members of the Municipality or City General Assemblies, they cannot attend the party group meetings.

Members who are temporarily dismissed from the party cannot submit proposals to the party bodies he or she cannot be present at. But this judgment does not stop the member from being accountable to the Party Regulations and the program, the principles and the official agencies of the party. No duties can be assigned to those members who are temporarily dismissed.

Objections to the City Disciplinary Council's decisions can be made to the Central Disciplinary Council, within 10 days. The decisions of the Central Disciplinary Council are final.

In practice, the duration of suspension is subtracted from the sentence's term. Until a decision is reached the suspension remains in force.

Decisions

Article 66- Disciplinary councils can meet with a 2/3 majority.  Decisions are taken by the majority of those present.

The member who is sent to the Disciplinary Council has the right to issue both; a verbal and written defense. The time period for the preparation of defense is 10 days from the date the accused member received the letter of notification. The notification letter should clearly identify the charges against the individual. Those that do not defend themselves within the required period are considered to abstain from their right to defend themselves.

Disciplinary Councils reach a verdict within two months of receiving the task. For cases that last longer, the Disciplinary council can ask for additional time from the Central Executive Council. The additional time cannot exceed (15) days.

The accused is notified of the decision reached by the Disciplinary Council and the grounds for reaching that decision within one month.

Objections

Article 67- The sentenced member and/or the City Executive Council can file their objection to the decision of the City Disciplinary Council, to the Central Disciplinary Council within (10) days of the judgment. If the Central Disciplinary Council does not suspend the sentence, the decision of the City Disciplinary Council is carried out.

Those party members sentenced to a permanent or temporary dismissal can file a lawsuit at the Court of First Instance. The decision of the court is final.

Common Rules and Principles Related to Disciplinary Councils

Article 68-
a) If the Republican Public Prosecutor demands the expulsion of a party member according to the Article 101 d-1 of the Political Parties Law, the Central Executive Council, without delay, sends the member to the Central Disciplinary Council. Central Disciplinary Council immediately meets and reaches a decision within 3 days. The accused member can present his/her written or verbal defense to the Council on the first day of the council meeting,

b) Investigation time of the Disciplinary Council can be shortened for party crimes committed during elections through broadcasts or in public meetings,

c) Disciplinary Councils can reach decisions by only examining documents, and listen to the witnesses and research documents,

d) Judgments that have been finalized have to be implemented by the party bodies,

e) Relations closer than second degree and Wives or Husbands cannot work in the same Disciplinary Council and cannot attend hearing that deal with each other,

f) Members of the Disciplinary Council cannot take responsibilities from the other sections of the party,

g) In none of the Party Bodies and Council meetings, judgments of the Disciplinary Councils can be discussed or decisions can be reached,

h) All of the Party Bodies and Councils are obligated to facilitate the investigations of the Disciplinary Councils, and respond them in time.

i) During the proceedings of the Disciplinary Council, notices sent to the address registered at their Municipality Party Center are valid.

Pardons

Article 69- Party Assembly has the power to pardon finalized sentences. For the discussion on the pardon, an application from the sentenced member and a report from the accusing body are requested.

The working practices and issues that have not been clarified in regulations are determined by the "Disciplinary Regulations".

Financial Clauses

Article 70- In SHP all financial dealings are, like every portion of party activities, open to public and member scrutiny.

With this in mind, a report stating every revenue and expenditure the party does can be viewed on the web site of the Party.

The Party's revenue bases are these;
a) Initial Entrance fee, and membership fees obtained from the Party members,

b) Payments obtained from Party representative,

c) Special payments from those persons, who apply to become members,

d) Incomes from the sale of Party insignia and Flags,

e) Incomes from Party publications,

f) Incomes from the sale of Party ID's, Party Booklets and receipts,

g) Incomes from cultural events, balls and Activities the party conducts,

h) Incomes from party equities,

i) Governmental aid, equities and rights transferable according to the Article 110 of the Political Parties Law,

j) Party Group fees from mayors and Party Group members,

k) Donations made by real and legal persons.

Besides the revenues gained from the party equities, no tax, stamp duty or official charges are paid from party revenues.

The above-mentioned revenues, no matter which party body provided it, belongs to the legal identity of the party.

These incomes are transferred to the party, upon writing a receipt printed by the Central executive Council, which serial number is registered at Party Headquarters. The Party organization is responsible to the Central executive Council for the use of these receipts.
Party cannot extend loans to members, real or legal persons.

The financial dealings and issues that are not discussed in the party Regulations are determined by the "Party Finance Transactions Regulations".

Rules of Political Ethics

Article 71-

a) Membership to SHP is a privilege. Party expects the members to be aware of this privilege not only during their party activities but also in the private lives.

b) SHP Party Presidents, members of the party Assembly, parliamentary deputies, Ministers, City and Municipality Party Presidents, Mayors and members of the City General Assembly are obligated to present a "Wealth declaration" when they start working at their posts. Wealth declarations are submitted to the General Headquarters.

c) After every election the party enters, within 3 months, General Assembly, Municipality and City Congresses meet to evaluate the party's performance in the elections. After midterm elections, in the regions where the elections took place an evaluation of the party performance takes place. If necessary, in all levels of the party, elections are renewed.

d) If the Party performance is poorer than the previous election, Party President and the Party Assembly calls for a General Assembly and leave their posts.

Article 72- The Articles 5-6-12-17-20-26-29-32-33-38-51, and 72 of the Party Regulations can be modified within the authority of the General Assembly or with the proposal and approval of 3/5 of the members of the authorized party bodies, by secret ballot.

Temporary Articles and Operational Articles

Temporary Article 1- After presenting the founding document to the Interior Ministry and party becoming a legal person, Founding Council chooses by secret ballot, the Party President, General secretary, members of the Supreme Disciplinary Council and the Central executive Council. This central executive Council chooses by secret ballot the General Accountant.

Founding Council performs the duties of the Party Assembly until the General Assembly takes place.

Temporary Article 2- Until the founding of the Municipality and City Party centers, those persons who want to become party members submit their applications to the General Secretariat. These applications are discussed in the Central Executive Council and article dealing with "Membership by Central Executive Council" decision is activated. Until the first General Assembly, candidate members do not have to prove that they are members of a non-governmental organization.  Central Executive Council has the authority to register full members until the first congress of the Party.  Full members who are registered based on this article, will lose their memberships, if they do not comply with the rules in Article 6 of the regulation within 6 months.

Temporary Article 3- All of the regulations, mentioned in this Party Regulations booklet have to be prepared and submitted to the Party Assembly for their approval, within (6) months of founding.

Temporary Article 4- The Municipality and City Congresses, and the General Assembly following the founding, are done in accordance with the Article of the Political Parties Law dealing with party, which have yet to enter an election, and Central Executive Council decisions and announcements.

Temporary Article 5- The Party's overseas branches are opened, if necessary. The founding, working practices, their relations with other party bodies, and their audit procedures are determined by regulations.

Temporary Article 6- Party Assembly will consist of 150 members until the first General Assembly.  Secretary General and members of Central Executive Council, who were selected before this article was in effect, are considered to be members of Party Assembly.  In order to complete this number to 150, Founding Council can elect 134 additional Party Assembly members, among them, and/or among Party members, with secret ballots.

Operational Article
This Party Regulations becomes operational when the founding letter is presented to the Interior ministry and a receipt is given.