The Law of the Progressive Party
The Law of the Progressive Party
Chapter 1 - Purpose and Objectives.
1.1. The Progressive Party is a political party that works to influence the social structure in Iceland according to the objectives outlined in the party's foundational policy document. The party's area of operation encompasses the entire country, but its address is at Hverfisgata 33, 101 Reykjavík.
Chapter 2 - About Members.
2.1. Any individual who turns 16 years old within the calendar year and who accepts the party's foundational policy document, and is not a member of another political party, can become a member of the Progressive Party.
2.2. Applications for membership in the party and resignations must be communicated in writing or electronically. An application for membership or resignation is only valid if it is signed by the applicant or sent electronically by the individual requesting admission. All applications for membership and resignations must be notified to the Progressive Party office. The office's notification of registration acts as confirmation of membership or resignation, taking into account conditions in clause 3.3.
2.3. A member must be registered in an affiliated association in the municipality where they have their legal residence unless otherwise specifically requested. Even if a member is registered in an affiliated association in a different municipality than where they reside, the voting rights for candidate selection for parliamentary and municipal elections shall follow the legal residence. If there are more than one affiliated associations operating in the municipality, which a member can join, they must be given the option to choose between them.
2.4. The membership register of the party office determines the eligibility and voting rights of members. Each member may only be registered in one affiliated association but is permitted to participate in activities in more than one affiliated association.
When a member changes their residence from the area of the affiliated association of which they are a member, they will automatically become a member of the affiliated association operating where they move to unless otherwise specifically requested. If more than one affiliated association operates in that municipality, the member must be given the opportunity to choose between them.
2.5. If a member wishes to change their affiliated association and has permission to do so according to these laws, they must send a request for such in writing or electronically to the party office. The request is only valid if it is signed by the member or sent electronically by the individual wishing to change their affiliated association.
2.6. A member in the youth association may not be a member for longer than through the calendar year in which they turn 35. After that, the member will automatically become a member of the affiliated association that operates in the municipality where the member has legal residence or has a fixed residence for the majority of the year unless the member requests otherwise. If more than one affiliated association operates in that municipality, which the member can join, they shall be given the option to choose between them.
2.7. No one can hold a confidential position in the party's institutions or take a seat on the party’s candidacy list for parliamentary elections without being a member of the Progressive Party.
2.8. If a member runs for Parliament for another political party or political organisation other than the Progressive Party or joins another political party or political organisation publicly, it is equivalent to resignation from the party.
Chapter 3 - About Affiliated Associations.
3.1. General progressive associations, women’s progressive associations, and youth associations are the fundamental units of the Progressive Party.
3.2. If an organization wishes to join the Progressive Party, it must send the national board the minutes of the founding meeting, the association's bylaws, the membership register, and the appointment of the board. The national board shall evaluate whether it is necessary to establish a new association or encourage members to work within existing associations in the relevant area. A new association may only be established if it has ten or more members. Once the national board confirms the association's membership, it obtains full rights within the party.
3.3. Associations and representatives shall hold an annual general meeting before 15 May. Voting rights at the annual general meeting are granted to those who have registered in the association 30 days prior to the meeting according to the membership register at the party office, taking into account clause 2.4. Following the annual general meeting, the board of the association is required to send a report on the activities of the association from the last operating year and information about the composition of the board to the relevant constituency association. If the annual general meeting is not held in accordance with the first sentence, the relevant association loses its right to representation at the constituency congress and party assembly. If the annual general meeting is not held according to the first sentence, the board of the constituency association shall call for an annual general meeting within three weeks. If such a summons occurs for two consecutive years, the board of the constituency association must report on the activities of the association before the national board makes a decision on the dissolution of the association or its merger with another association.
If there are fewer than 10 members, the board of the constituency association must report on the activities of the association before the national board makes a decision on the dissolution of the association or its merger with another association.
3.4. The affiliated associations set their own bylaws as long as they comply with the laws of the respective constituency association and the laws of the Progressive Party. Associations are permitted to collect membership fees. The bylaws of the affiliated association and amendments to them must be submitted to the board of the relevant constituency association for approval, and the amendments shall not take effect until confirmed by the constituency council.
3.5. If a dispute arises about the interpretation of the bylaws of an affiliated association, the board of the association shall decide with a resolution. This decision may be appealed to the legal committee of the Progressive Party. However, the decision of the association’s board remains in effect until the legal committee has issued a ruling on the matter.
Chapter 4 - About Constituency Associations.
4.1. Affiliated associations within each constituency have an association, a constituency association. Constituency associations shall oversee and initiate meetings of elected representatives, party confidential agents, and general party members in the relevant constituency as well as other party activities. However, it is permitted that one constituency association operates for both the northern and southern Reykjavik constituencies.
4.2. The constituency association shall hold a representative meeting - a constituency congress before 15 April each year, and at least one information meeting with the constituency's parliamentarians each legislative winter. The annual financial statement of the constituency association shall be submitted to the office by 15 May each year, confirmed by the board and reviewers.
4.3. At constituency congresses, at least the following members have voting rights:
a) At least one representative for every 10 members of each affiliated association in the constituency. However, there must always be at least one representative from each municipality in the association's area. An equal number of substitutes shall be elected. The number of representatives from individual affiliated associations shall be based on the membership register as it stands at the party office 30 days prior to the constituency congress, taking into account clause 2.4. Affiliated associations in areas where there is no active young progressive association must strive to ensure that the proportion of representatives at the constituency congress from the youth group is not less than the proportion of youth in their membership register.
b) Full members of the board of the respective constituency association.
c) Full members of the national board of the Progressive Party who reside in the constituency.
Furthermore, all members in the constituency shall have the right to attend the constituency congress with speaking and proposal rights. No later than 15 days before the constituency congress, the board of the constituency association shall appoint a working committee that receives proposals for candidates to be elected for confidential roles.
4.4. After the constituency congress, the board of each constituency association shall send a report on the activities of the association, information about who composes the board, and other confidential positions, as well as copies of the reports from those associations that belong to the respective constituency association to the party office.
4.5. The executive board of the party and the director have the right to attend meetings and congresses of constituency associations with speaking and proposal rights.
4.6. Constituency associations set their own bylaws, which must comply with the laws of the Progressive Party. The bylaws of constituency associations and amendments to them shall be submitted to the national board of the party for approval, and the amendments shall not come into effect until confirmed by the national board.
4.7. If a dispute arises regarding the interpretation of the laws of a constituency association or rules concerning candidate selection, the board of the relevant constituency association shall decide with a resolution. This decision may be appealed to the legal committee of the Progressive Party. The decision of the board of the constituency association remains in effect until the legal committee has issued a ruling on the matter.
Chapter 5 - About the Method of List Selection.
5.1. In parliamentary elections, the constituency association shall present a list of candidates from the Progressive Party in its constituency. However, if one constituency association operates in Reykjavik, it may present a list of candidates from the Progressive Party for both the northern and southern Reykjavik constituencies on its own behalf. The constituency congress is responsible for the selection process and finalising the candidacy list. Rules regarding candidacies must be available at least 6 months prior to regular parliamentary elections. Rules for candidate selection can be of five types: Electronic voting; closed primary; double constituency congress; nomination; open primary. The national board of the Progressive Party establishes uniform rules that apply to all options in all constituencies for candidacies to Parliament and submits them to the national board for approval. The voter registry will close 30 days prior to the election date. The candidacy deadline expires 15 days before the election date.
In irregular parliamentary elections, the rules for candidacies must be available 10 days after the dissolution of Parliament, the voter registry for the selection will close 14 days after the dissolution, and the candidacy deadline for selections expires 14 days after the dissolution.
5.2. If it is not possible to appoint a candidacy list for the party in the constituency, according to clause 5.1., the executive board shall present a list of candidates for the Progressive Party in consultation with the board of the relevant constituency association.
5.3. For the party's candidacy in municipal elections, the following applies:
a) The representative council/association meeting in each municipality shall decide on the candidacy and method for arranging the list.
b) Rules regarding candidate selection can be of four types: Electronic voting; closed primary; nomination; open primary. The national board of the Progressive Party sets uniform rules applicable to all options in municipalities. The voter registry will close 30 days prior to election day. The candidacy deadline expires 15 days before election day.
c) If the Progressive Party forms a candidacy with another party/parties or organisations, the representative council/association meeting of the progressive association shall establish rules for how to conduct such collaboration with other parties or organisations in municipal governance.
Chapter 6 ‒ About National Associations.
6.1. Within the Progressive Party, there are three national associations. The National Union of Young Progressives (SUF), Women in Progressive, and the National Association of Older Progressives (SEF). The role of the national associations is to enhance and coordinate the activities of their affiliated associations and increase participation in party activities.
6.2. The executive board of the party and the director have the right to attend the assemblies and meetings of the national associations with speaking and proposal rights.
6.3. The national associations set their own laws as long as they comply with the laws of the Progressive Party. The laws of the national associations and changes to them shall be submitted to the national board of the party for approval. Changes will not take effect until confirmed by the national board.
6.4. If a dispute arises concerning how to interpret the laws of the national association, the board of the association makes a decision. This decision may be appealed to the legal committee of the Progressive Party. However, the decision of the board of the national association remains in effect until the legal committee has issued a ruling on the matter.
Chapter 7 ‒ About the Municipal Council.
7.1. Within the Progressive Party, a municipal council shall operate. The municipal council shall consist of three municipal council members from each constituency across the country. An equal number of substitutes shall be elected.
7.2. The purpose of the municipal council is to strengthen the operations of the Progressive Party in the field of municipal affairs, to increase collaboration among municipal council members of the party, and to serve as advisors to the party leadership and parliamentary group of progressives.
7.3. Representatives on the municipal council must be full members of the municipal council, municipal managers, or mayors, and must also be members of the Progressive Party. In constituencies where fewer than three individuals meet these criteria, alternates may be elected and, if necessary, regular representatives to the council from among the substitutes in the municipal council. In cases where there are not enough regular and alternate members present, observer representatives shall be elected in their place. Observer representatives have speaking and proposal rights in the municipal council.
7.4. The first regular constituency congress after municipal elections elects representatives to the municipal council. The representatives shall be elected at the constituency congress in accordance with clause 7.3.
The election shall be conducted in such a way that the three who receive the highest votes will become regular representatives, and the next three will become alternate representatives. The election of the municipal council remains in effect until the first regular constituency congress held after the subsequent municipal elections following the election.
7.5. The municipal council shall meet at least once a year. The national board shall call the council together for its first meeting following municipal elections. At that meeting, the council shall elect a three-member board, a chairman, and two co-chairs from among their group. The board thereafter bears responsibility for the work of the council. The election of the board remains in effect until a new election for the municipal council is held after the board's term expires, according to clause 7.4.
7.6. The municipal council shall present a work plan that shall be introduced and discussed at the spring meeting of the national board. The municipal council shall hold a conference on municipal affairs twice during the term of the municipal councils.
Chapter 8 ‒ About the Workers' Council.
8.1. Within the Progressive Party, a Workers' Council shall operate. The Workers' Council shall consist of three representatives from each constituency across the country. An equal number of substitutes shall be elected.
8.2. The purpose of the Workers' Council is to enhance the role of workers within the Progressive Party, to provide advice within the party on the issues of workers, and to increase collaboration among those Progressives who work within the trade union movement. The board of the Workers' Council shall hold an annual meeting with elected representatives of Progressives and individuals from the labour market.
8.3. Representatives to the Workers' Council shall be elected at constituency congresses. The first regular constituency congress after parliamentary elections shall elect representatives to the Workers' Council. The representatives shall be elected from among the workers in the constituency. The election shall be conducted in such a way that the three who receive the highest votes become regular representatives, and the next three become alternate representatives. The election of the Workers' Council remains in effect until the first regular constituency congress held after the next parliamentary elections following the election.
8.4. The Workers' Council shall meet at least once a year. The national board shall call the council together for its first meeting following parliamentary elections. At that meeting, the council shall elect a three-member board, a chairman, two co-chairs, and three alternates from their group. The board thereafter bears responsibility for the work of the council. The election of the board remains in effect until a new election for the Workers' Council is held after its term expires, according to clause 8.3.
Chapter 9 ‒ About the Party Assembly.
9.1. The Progressive Party holds a regular party assembly which the central board calls for, no less than every two years, and it shall generally be held in the first half of the year. The executive board is required to call a party assembly if a majority of constituency assemblies request it. It shall be held in the Southwestern region within 45 days after such a request is deemed properly submitted.
If the party assembly approves the dissolution of the party according to the provisions of Article 15.11, the executive board shall promptly call for a subsequent party assembly.
9.2. The party assembly determines the main direction of the party in national matters, sets the party's laws, and has the highest authority in its matters. At the party assembly, the secretary shall present a report on the party’s activities since the last assembly and the executive director shall present a report on the party's finances from the same period.
Draft proposals for matters to be resolved at the party assembly must be prepared and submitted to party members one week before the assembly.
9.3. At the party assembly, a chairperson of the Progressive Party shall be elected, and they shall also be the chairperson of the central board of the party. Furthermore, the party assembly shall elect a vice-chairperson, a secretary, and two auditors of accounts. Additionally, two co-chairs for the legal committee and two alternates shall be elected. Furthermore, two co-chairs for the ethics committee and two alternates shall be elected.
9.4. Within the party, a legal committee operates. Its members include a chairperson appointed by the executive board, along with two co-chairs elected by the party assembly. The chairperson must have a legal education. The role of the committee is to resolve disputes that may arise regarding how to interpret these laws, the laws of individual associations or parties of the group, as well as the rules regarding candidate selection. The committee shall adjudicate matters appealed to it according to further provisions in these laws within 30 days. The committee's rulings shall be in writing.
If there is an urgent need for a decision or ruling in disputes that fall under the committee's jurisdiction as soon as possible, cases may be taken directly to it without appeal to other parties according to these laws. In such situations, the committee shall independently assess whether such urgent conditions warrant a departure from the normal handling of cases. Rulings of the legal committee in disputes or interpretation matters that are appealed to it are final within the Progressive Party.
9.5. Within the party, an ethics committee operates. Its members include a chairperson appointed by the executive board, along with two co-chairs elected by the party assembly.
Notifications to the ethics committee must be in writing. Those who are under investigation for breaches of ethical rules shall be granted the right to contest and cases must be sufficiently substantiated before the ethics committee gives its opinion. The ethics committee shall provide a reasoned opinion on whether the ethical rules of the Progressive Party have been violated within 30 days of the notification being received. If a violation is established, the committee shall give its opinion based on the following hierarchy: (i) minor violation; (ii) violation; (iii) serious violation. Violations of ethical rules that are also a violation of national laws shall generally be considered serious. A simple majority of votes determines the position of the ethics committee, although an opinion on a serious violation must be unanimous. The opinion of the ethics committee regarding the interpretation of the ethical rules of the Progressive Party is final. Matters concerning the handling of the ethics committee's proceedings can be appealed to the legal committee of the Progressive Party.
The executive board shall address the opinion of the ethics committee regarding breaches of ethical rules and decide on responses to that conclusion. If a serious violation is established, the executive board shall generally conclude that the relevant confidential agent of the Progressive Party be temporarily relieved of all confidential duties. If a serious violation is established, the next regular central board meeting shall consider the executive board's resolution and decide whether the relevant confidential agent shall be indefinitely relieved of all confidential duties for the Progressive Party. The party assembly sets the ethical rules of the Progressive Party in the same manner as these laws, and all party members are considered to have accepted their provisions.
9.6. Each party member has the right to send one representative with voting rights to the party assembly for every 15 party members or fraction thereof. An equal number of substitutes shall be elected. The number of representatives and eligibility shall be based on the membership register as it stands at the party office 30 days prior to the party assembly, taking into account clause 2.4. The organization of elections of representatives is determined by the laws of individual affiliated associations. Affiliated associations in areas where there is no active young progressive association must strive to ensure that the proportion of representatives at the party assembly from the youth group is not lower than the proportion of youth in their membership register. Affiliated associations must notify their selection of representatives to the party office no later than a week before the party assembly is convened and are responsible for the eligibility of their representatives. At the beginning of the party assembly, a credentials committee of three individuals shall be elected to decide on the validity of credentials and prepare a final list of duly elected party assembly representatives with voting rights. The decisions of the credentials committee can be appealed to the party assembly, which can nullify them by two-thirds of the votes. Any decisions of the party assembly are final and cannot be appealed to the legal committee. All members of the party have the right to attend the party assembly and have speaking and proposal rights.
9.7. Central board members have the right to attend the party assembly with voting rights.
Chapter 10 ‒ About the Central Board.
10.1. The central board acts on behalf of the party between party assemblies and implements its main policies in national matters. The central board determines the party's participation in the government. A policy agreement regarding government cooperation must be presented to the central board.
10.2. The central board consists of:
One representative for each 100 party members in each constituency or fraction thereof above 50. These representatives shall be elected at constituency congresses for one year at a time according to the rules established by the relevant constituency association. At least one third of the representatives must come from the young progressive group. An equal number of substitutes shall be elected in the same way.
Members of parliament from the party and ministers.
National board and executive board of the Progressive Party.
Former members of parliament and ministers from the Progressive Party, provided they are party members.
Full members of the municipal council, municipal managers, or mayors, provided they are party members.
The board and alternate board members of the Workers' Council of the Progressive Party, according to clause 8.4.
Seven representatives elected by the national board.
10.3. The central board shall be convened for meetings twice a year, in spring and autumn, with 30 days' notice. Spring meetings shall be held following constituency congresses. It is permissible to call additional meetings of the central board with shorter notice. At the spring meeting, the party's activities for the upcoming year shall be specially discussed. Other meetings of the central board shall be held when the national board of the party decides, and they are legal if a majority of central board members are present. It is also obligatory to call a central board meeting if one third of central board members request it in writing. In the year the party assembly is held, the executive board has the authority to cancel the spring meeting of the central board and move the discussion regarding the party's activities to the autumn meeting.
10.4. At the spring meeting of the central board, the central board members shall elect from among themselves for one year:
a) Four representatives to the education and communication committee of the Progressive Party and two alternates.
b) Four representatives to the policy committee of the Progressive Party and two alternates.
10.5. Within the central board, an education and communication committee operates. It consists of a chairperson appointed by the executive board and four co-chairs according to item a of clause 10.4. The committee's role is to organize and oversee the implementation of educational and communication matters of the Progressive Party and shall specifically emphasize information dissemination within the party. The committee shall present a report on its activities at the autumn meeting of the central board each year.
10.6. Within the central board, a policy committee operates. It consists of a chairperson appointed by the executive board and four co-chairs according to item b of clause 10.5. The committee's role is to organize and oversee policy work and strategic planning for the Progressive Party. The committee shall present a report on its activities at the autumn meeting of the central board each year.
10.7. If the chairperson of the party vacates their office, the vice-chair shall assume their duties. The central board shall then elect a new vice-chair at its next meeting, and the election remains valid until the next party assembly thereafter.
10.8. If the vice-chair or secretary vacates their office, the central board must elect another in their place at its next meeting, and the election shall remain valid until the next party assembly thereafter.
Chapter 11 ‒ About Boards and Committees.
11.1. The executive board of the Progressive Party consists of the party chairperson, vice-chair, secretary, chair of the parliamentary group, and the chairs of SUF, Women in Progressive, and SEF. The executive board acts on behalf of the central board between central board meetings.
11.2. The national board of the party consists of the executive board of the party, chairs of constituency associations, the chair of the municipal council, and the chair of the Workers' Council. The chair and vice-chair of the Reykjavik constituency association have a seat on the national board if only one constituency association operates in Reykjavik. The secretary of the Progressive Party is the chair of the national board. The national board shapes the policy regarding the internal operations of the party and shall meet at least three times a year. The national board shall present a report on its activities at the autumn meeting of the central board each year.
11.3. Within the party, a finance committee operates, which reports to the executive board. The executive board appoints the chair, and four co-chairs are elected by the national board. The committee's role is to organize the fundraising activities of the Progressive Party and oversee their implementation in consultation with the executive director. The committee shall present a report on its activities at the autumn meeting of the central board each year.
11.4. The equality representative reports to the national board of the Progressive Party and presents its annual status on equality matters in the party. The equality representative also serves as the chair of the equality committee, which consists of representatives from the parliamentary group, Women in Progressive, and SUF, in addition to the executive director.
Chapter 12 ‒ About the Parliamentary Group.
12.1. Members of parliament of the Progressive Party form a parliamentary group. At meetings of the parliamentary group, the party's ministers, the chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, and executive director of the party, chairs of national associations, and, in their absence, their substitutes have a seat with speaking and proposal rights. The parliamentary group elects the party's ministers.
12.2. The parliamentary group elects its chairperson, vice-chairperson, and secretary from among its members at the beginning of each session. Otherwise, the parliamentary group sets its own rules of procedure as long as they do not conflict with these laws. They shall be approved by the national board along with any amendments.
12.3. The parliamentary group shall hold at least one joint meeting each year with the national board, the executive board, and the chairs of permanent committees according to clauses 9.4, 10.5, 10.6, and 11.3.
Chapter 13 ‒ About the Office.
13.1. The Progressive Party operates an office that works to implement and organize the party's social activities nationwide according to the decisions of the central board, executive board, and national board. Additionally, it shall serve as a comprehensive service center for individual affiliated associations and groups of the party in their social activities. The office oversees the membership register of the party and the publication matters.
13.2. The executive board appoints the party’s executive director, who attends executive board meetings with speaking and proposal rights and is also the executive director of the parliamentary group of Progressives. The executive director hires other staff members of the party. The executive director shall manage the party office and its finances in consultation with the executive board and signs the party's documents.
Chapter 14 ‒ About Disclosure Obligations.
14.1. All party officials who work in the course of their duties receive documents from the membership register of the Progressive Party. They are required to keep this information confidential and are prohibited from disseminating it in any way. Reference is made to the Act No. 90/2018 on personal data protection and the processing of personal data.
Chapter 15 ‒ Miscellaneous Provisions.
15.1. All elections under these laws shall be written if so requested. It is permitted to conduct electronic elections if possible. Then it shall be permissible to vote electronically in all elections within the party, including between proposals or candidates, as well as to approve the list as a whole. Ballots shall be destroyed after the election, following the appeal period.
15.2. If not stated otherwise in these laws, a simple majority shall decide on decisions within the Progressive Party.
15.3. It is permitted to hold all meetings and assemblies under these laws, excluding the party assembly, electronically unless external circumstances such as natural disasters or other such events prevent the possibility of holding the party assembly in person. Members must identify themselves with electronic credentials when voting.
15.4. The election of a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and secretary at the party assembly shall be conducted separately through written or electronic vote. However, it is permitted to vote for two or three offices at the same time if the party assembly agrees. If no one receives a clear majority of the votes cast, that is, over 50% including blank and invalid votes, for the positions of chairperson, vice-chairperson, or secretary, a second round shall be held immediately. Only the two candidates who received the most votes in the first round will be eligible, and the one who receives the most votes in the second round shall be elected.
15.5. Auditors shall be elected at the party assembly from among party members based on nominations, provided the consent of the relevant associations is obtained before the election. Written voting shall be conducted in the same manner as for the election of party officials according to clause 15.1 if more than two candidates are proposed. The auditors shall review the party's accounts and all accounting records for each fiscal year. They shall confirm the party's annual accounts with their endorsement. At the party assembly, a licensed auditor shall be elected for a two-year term to audit the party's accounts.
15.6. Constituency associations and party members shall determine the party’s policy priorities in local and municipal matters as they see fit, provided they align with the party's political platform.
15.7. Candidacies for municipal councils are the responsibility of affiliated associations in the respective municipality. Affiliated associations decide how to conduct candidate selection, manage the election process, and finalize the candidacy lists.
15.8. If a dispute arises regarding how to interpret these laws, the national board shall resolve it with a decision. This decision may be appealed to the party's legal committee. The decision of the national board remains in effect until the legal committee issues a ruling on the matter.
15.9. In appointing to confidential and accountability positions within the party, as well as selecting its candidacy lists, the representation of either gender must not be less than 40% unless there are transparent and obvious reasons to the contrary. The equality committee and Women in Progressive shall advise, as needed, to meet this objective.
15.10. Applications for seats in the party's permanent committees must be submitted to the office seven days before the election of the relevant committee and shall be mentioned in the meeting invitation. If no applications are received, the national board shall nominate representatives for the appropriate committees.
15.11. The laws and political platform of the Progressive Party shall be accessible in at least two languages, and the office of the Progressive Party shall strive to ensure this for other party materials.
15.12. All individuals serving in confidential positions in the name of the Progressive Party must adhere to the laws and ethical standards set by the Progressive Party.
15.13. Decisions regarding the dissolution of the party must be made by two consecutive party assemblies. The approval requires two-thirds of the votes at both assemblies. The second party assembly shall decide on the allocation of the party's assets.
15.14. These laws may only be amended at a party assembly by two-thirds of the votes cast.
15.15. All proposals for amendments to these laws must be received by the office of the Progressive Party at least 15 days before the party assembly. The legal committee shall review the proposals received and submit an opinion to the relevant policy group at the next party assembly.
15.16. These laws shall come into force after the 31st party assembly of the Progressives in 2011. At the same time, previous laws of the Progressive Party enacted at the 30th party assembly of the Progressives in 2009 shall be repealed.
Approved at the 31st party assembly of the Progressives in 2011. Amended at the 35th party assembly of the Progressives in 2018. Amended at the 36th party assembly of the Progressives in 2022. Amended at the 37th party assembly of the Progressives in 2024.
Chapter 1 - Purpose and Objectives.
1.1. The Progressive Party is a political party that works to influence the social structure in Iceland according to the objectives outlined in the party's foundational policy document. The party's area of operation encompasses the entire country, but its address is at Hverfisgata 33, 101 Reykjavík.
Chapter 2 - About Members.
2.1. Any individual who turns 16 years old within the calendar year and who accepts the party's foundational policy document, and is not a member of another political party, can become a member of the Progressive Party.
2.2. Applications for membership in the party and resignations must be communicated in writing or electronically. An application for membership or resignation is only valid if it is signed by the applicant or sent electronically by the individual requesting admission. All applications for membership and resignations must be notified to the Progressive Party office. The office's notification of registration acts as confirmation of membership or resignation, taking into account conditions in clause 3.3.
2.3. A member must be registered in an affiliated association in the municipality where they have their legal residence unless otherwise specifically requested. Even if a member is registered in an affiliated association in a different municipality than where they reside, the voting rights for candidate selection for parliamentary and municipal elections shall follow the legal residence. If there are more than one affiliated associations operating in the municipality, which a member can join, they must be given the option to choose between them.
2.4. The membership register of the party office determines the eligibility and voting rights of members. Each member may only be registered in one affiliated association but is permitted to participate in activities in more than one affiliated association.
When a member changes their residence from the area of the affiliated association of which they are a member, they will automatically become a member of the affiliated association operating where they move to unless otherwise specifically requested. If more than one affiliated association operates in that municipality, the member must be given the opportunity to choose between them.
2.5. If a member wishes to change their affiliated association and has permission to do so according to these laws, they must send a request for such in writing or electronically to the party office. The request is only valid if it is signed by the member or sent electronically by the individual wishing to change their affiliated association.
2.6. A member in the youth association may not be a member for longer than through the calendar year in which they turn 35. After that, the member will automatically become a member of the affiliated association that operates in the municipality where the member has legal residence or has a fixed residence for the majority of the year unless the member requests otherwise. If more than one affiliated association operates in that municipality, which the member can join, they shall be given the option to choose between them.
2.7. No one can hold a confidential position in the party's institutions or take a seat on the party’s candidacy list for parliamentary elections without being a member of the Progressive Party.
2.8. If a member runs for Parliament for another political party or political organisation other than the Progressive Party or joins another political party or political organisation publicly, it is equivalent to resignation from the party.
Chapter 3 - About Affiliated Associations.
3.1. General progressive associations, women’s progressive associations, and youth associations are the fundamental units of the Progressive Party.
3.2. If an organization wishes to join the Progressive Party, it must send the national board the minutes of the founding meeting, the association's bylaws, the membership register, and the appointment of the board. The national board shall evaluate whether it is necessary to establish a new association or encourage members to work within existing associations in the relevant area. A new association may only be established if it has ten or more members. Once the national board confirms the association's membership, it obtains full rights within the party.
3.3. Associations and representatives shall hold an annual general meeting before 15 May. Voting rights at the annual general meeting are granted to those who have registered in the association 30 days prior to the meeting according to the membership register at the party office, taking into account clause 2.4. Following the annual general meeting, the board of the association is required to send a report on the activities of the association from the last operating year and information about the composition of the board to the relevant constituency association. If the annual general meeting is not held in accordance with the first sentence, the relevant association loses its right to representation at the constituency congress and party assembly. If the annual general meeting is not held according to the first sentence, the board of the constituency association shall call for an annual general meeting within three weeks. If such a summons occurs for two consecutive years, the board of the constituency association must report on the activities of the association before the national board makes a decision on the dissolution of the association or its merger with another association.
If there are fewer than 10 members, the board of the constituency association must report on the activities of the association before the national board makes a decision on the dissolution of the association or its merger with another association.
3.4. The affiliated associations set their own bylaws as long as they comply with the laws of the respective constituency association and the laws of the Progressive Party. Associations are permitted to collect membership fees. The bylaws of the affiliated association and amendments to them must be submitted to the board of the relevant constituency association for approval, and the amendments shall not take effect until confirmed by the constituency council.
3.5. If a dispute arises about the interpretation of the bylaws of an affiliated association, the board of the association shall decide with a resolution. This decision may be appealed to the legal committee of the Progressive Party. However, the decision of the association’s board remains in effect until the legal committee has issued a ruling on the matter.
Chapter 4 - About Constituency Associations.
4.1. Affiliated associations within each constituency have an association, a constituency association. Constituency associations shall oversee and initiate meetings of elected representatives, party confidential agents, and general party members in the relevant constituency as well as other party activities. However, it is permitted that one constituency association operates for both the northern and southern Reykjavik constituencies.
4.2. The constituency association shall hold a representative meeting - a constituency congress before 15 April each year, and at least one information meeting with the constituency's parliamentarians each legislative winter. The annual financial statement of the constituency association shall be submitted to the office by 15 May each year, confirmed by the board and reviewers.
4.3. At constituency congresses, at least the following members have voting rights:
a) At least one representative for every 10 members of each affiliated association in the constituency. However, there must always be at least one representative from each municipality in the association's area. An equal number of substitutes shall be elected. The number of representatives from individual affiliated associations shall be based on the membership register as it stands at the party office 30 days prior to the constituency congress, taking into account clause 2.4. Affiliated associations in areas where there is no active young progressive association must strive to ensure that the proportion of representatives at the constituency congress from the youth group is not less than the proportion of youth in their membership register.
b) Full members of the board of the respective constituency association.
c) Full members of the national board of the Progressive Party who reside in the constituency.
Furthermore, all members in the constituency shall have the right to attend the constituency congress with speaking and proposal rights. No later than 15 days before the constituency congress, the board of the constituency association shall appoint a working committee that receives proposals for candidates to be elected for confidential roles.
4.4. After the constituency congress, the board of each constituency association shall send a report on the activities of the association, information about who composes the board, and other confidential positions, as well as copies of the reports from those associations that belong to the respective constituency association to the party office.
4.5. The executive board of the party and the director have the right to attend meetings and congresses of constituency associations with speaking and proposal rights.
4.6. Constituency associations set their own bylaws, which must comply with the laws of the Progressive Party. The bylaws of constituency associations and amendments to them shall be submitted to the national board of the party for approval, and the amendments shall not come into effect until confirmed by the national board.
4.7. If a dispute arises regarding the interpretation of the laws of a constituency association or rules concerning candidate selection, the board of the relevant constituency association shall decide with a resolution. This decision may be appealed to the legal committee of the Progressive Party. The decision of the board of the constituency association remains in effect until the legal committee has issued a ruling on the matter.
Chapter 5 - About the Method of List Selection.
5.1. In parliamentary elections, the constituency association shall present a list of candidates from the Progressive Party in its constituency. However, if one constituency association operates in Reykjavik, it may present a list of candidates from the Progressive Party for both the northern and southern Reykjavik constituencies on its own behalf. The constituency congress is responsible for the selection process and finalising the candidacy list. Rules regarding candidacies must be available at least 6 months prior to regular parliamentary elections. Rules for candidate selection can be of five types: Electronic voting; closed primary; double constituency congress; nomination; open primary. The national board of the Progressive Party establishes uniform rules that apply to all options in all constituencies for candidacies to Parliament and submits them to the national board for approval. The voter registry will close 30 days prior to the election date. The candidacy deadline expires 15 days before the election date.
In irregular parliamentary elections, the rules for candidacies must be available 10 days after the dissolution of Parliament, the voter registry for the selection will close 14 days after the dissolution, and the candidacy deadline for selections expires 14 days after the dissolution.
5.2. If it is not possible to appoint a candidacy list for the party in the constituency, according to clause 5.1., the executive board shall present a list of candidates for the Progressive Party in consultation with the board of the relevant constituency association.
5.3. For the party's candidacy in municipal elections, the following applies:
a) The representative council/association meeting in each municipality shall decide on the candidacy and method for arranging the list.
b) Rules regarding candidate selection can be of four types: Electronic voting; closed primary; nomination; open primary. The national board of the Progressive Party sets uniform rules applicable to all options in municipalities. The voter registry will close 30 days prior to election day. The candidacy deadline expires 15 days before election day.
c) If the Progressive Party forms a candidacy with another party/parties or organisations, the representative council/association meeting of the progressive association shall establish rules for how to conduct such collaboration with other parties or organisations in municipal governance.
Chapter 6 ‒ About National Associations.
6.1. Within the Progressive Party, there are three national associations. The National Union of Young Progressives (SUF), Women in Progressive, and the National Association of Older Progressives (SEF). The role of the national associations is to enhance and coordinate the activities of their affiliated associations and increase participation in party activities.
6.2. The executive board of the party and the director have the right to attend the assemblies and meetings of the national associations with speaking and proposal rights.
6.3. The national associations set their own laws as long as they comply with the laws of the Progressive Party. The laws of the national associations and changes to them shall be submitted to the national board of the party for approval. Changes will not take effect until confirmed by the national board.
6.4. If a dispute arises concerning how to interpret the laws of the national association, the board of the association makes a decision. This decision may be appealed to the legal committee of the Progressive Party. However, the decision of the board of the national association remains in effect until the legal committee has issued a ruling on the matter.
Chapter 7 ‒ About the Municipal Council.
7.1. Within the Progressive Party, a municipal council shall operate. The municipal council shall consist of three municipal council members from each constituency across the country. An equal number of substitutes shall be elected.
7.2. The purpose of the municipal council is to strengthen the operations of the Progressive Party in the field of municipal affairs, to increase collaboration among municipal council members of the party, and to serve as advisors to the party leadership and parliamentary group of progressives.
7.3. Representatives on the municipal council must be full members of the municipal council, municipal managers, or mayors, and must also be members of the Progressive Party. In constituencies where fewer than three individuals meet these criteria, alternates may be elected and, if necessary, regular representatives to the council from among the substitutes in the municipal council. In cases where there are not enough regular and alternate members present, observer representatives shall be elected in their place. Observer representatives have speaking and proposal rights in the municipal council.
7.4. The first regular constituency congress after municipal elections elects representatives to the municipal council. The representatives shall be elected at the constituency congress in accordance with clause 7.3.
The election shall be conducted in such a way that the three who receive the highest votes will become regular representatives, and the next three will become alternate representatives. The election of the municipal council remains in effect until the first regular constituency congress held after the subsequent municipal elections following the election.
7.5. The municipal council shall meet at least once a year. The national board shall call the council together for its first meeting following municipal elections. At that meeting, the council shall elect a three-member board, a chairman, and two co-chairs from among their group. The board thereafter bears responsibility for the work of the council. The election of the board remains in effect until a new election for the municipal council is held after the board's term expires, according to clause 7.4.
7.6. The municipal council shall present a work plan that shall be introduced and discussed at the spring meeting of the national board. The municipal council shall hold a conference on municipal affairs twice during the term of the municipal councils.
Chapter 8 ‒ About the Workers' Council.
8.1. Within the Progressive Party, a Workers' Council shall operate. The Workers' Council shall consist of three representatives from each constituency across the country. An equal number of substitutes shall be elected.
8.2. The purpose of the Workers' Council is to enhance the role of workers within the Progressive Party, to provide advice within the party on the issues of workers, and to increase collaboration among those Progressives who work within the trade union movement. The board of the Workers' Council shall hold an annual meeting with elected representatives of Progressives and individuals from the labour market.
8.3. Representatives to the Workers' Council shall be elected at constituency congresses. The first regular constituency congress after parliamentary elections shall elect representatives to the Workers' Council. The representatives shall be elected from among the workers in the constituency. The election shall be conducted in such a way that the three who receive the highest votes become regular representatives, and the next three become alternate representatives. The election of the Workers' Council remains in effect until the first regular constituency congress held after the next parliamentary elections following the election.
8.4. The Workers' Council shall meet at least once a year. The national board shall call the council together for its first meeting following parliamentary elections. At that meeting, the council shall elect a three-member board, a chairman, two co-chairs, and three alternates from their group. The board thereafter bears responsibility for the work of the council. The election of the board remains in effect until a new election for the Workers' Council is held after its term expires, according to clause 8.3.
Chapter 9 ‒ About the Party Assembly.
9.1. The Progressive Party holds a regular party assembly which the central board calls for, no less than every two years, and it shall generally be held in the first half of the year. The executive board is required to call a party assembly if a majority of constituency assemblies request it. It shall be held in the Southwestern region within 45 days after such a request is deemed properly submitted.
If the party assembly approves the dissolution of the party according to the provisions of Article 15.11, the executive board shall promptly call for a subsequent party assembly.
9.2. The party assembly determines the main direction of the party in national matters, sets the party's laws, and has the highest authority in its matters. At the party assembly, the secretary shall present a report on the party’s activities since the last assembly and the executive director shall present a report on the party's finances from the same period.
Draft proposals for matters to be resolved at the party assembly must be prepared and submitted to party members one week before the assembly.
9.3. At the party assembly, a chairperson of the Progressive Party shall be elected, and they shall also be the chairperson of the central board of the party. Furthermore, the party assembly shall elect a vice-chairperson, a secretary, and two auditors of accounts. Additionally, two co-chairs for the legal committee and two alternates shall be elected. Furthermore, two co-chairs for the ethics committee and two alternates shall be elected.
9.4. Within the party, a legal committee operates. Its members include a chairperson appointed by the executive board, along with two co-chairs elected by the party assembly. The chairperson must have a legal education. The role of the committee is to resolve disputes that may arise regarding how to interpret these laws, the laws of individual associations or parties of the group, as well as the rules regarding candidate selection. The committee shall adjudicate matters appealed to it according to further provisions in these laws within 30 days. The committee's rulings shall be in writing.
If there is an urgent need for a decision or ruling in disputes that fall under the committee's jurisdiction as soon as possible, cases may be taken directly to it without appeal to other parties according to these laws. In such situations, the committee shall independently assess whether such urgent conditions warrant a departure from the normal handling of cases. Rulings of the legal committee in disputes or interpretation matters that are appealed to it are final within the Progressive Party.
9.5. Within the party, an ethics committee operates. Its members include a chairperson appointed by the executive board, along with two co-chairs elected by the party assembly.
Notifications to the ethics committee must be in writing. Those who are under investigation for breaches of ethical rules shall be granted the right to contest and cases must be sufficiently substantiated before the ethics committee gives its opinion. The ethics committee shall provide a reasoned opinion on whether the ethical rules of the Progressive Party have been violated within 30 days of the notification being received. If a violation is established, the committee shall give its opinion based on the following hierarchy: (i) minor violation; (ii) violation; (iii) serious violation. Violations of ethical rules that are also a violation of national laws shall generally be considered serious. A simple majority of votes determines the position of the ethics committee, although an opinion on a serious violation must be unanimous. The opinion of the ethics committee regarding the interpretation of the ethical rules of the Progressive Party is final. Matters concerning the handling of the ethics committee's proceedings can be appealed to the legal committee of the Progressive Party.
The executive board shall address the opinion of the ethics committee regarding breaches of ethical rules and decide on responses to that conclusion. If a serious violation is established, the executive board shall generally conclude that the relevant confidential agent of the Progressive Party be temporarily relieved of all confidential duties. If a serious violation is established, the next regular central board meeting shall consider the executive board's resolution and decide whether the relevant confidential agent shall be indefinitely relieved of all confidential duties for the Progressive Party. The party assembly sets the ethical rules of the Progressive Party in the same manner as these laws, and all party members are considered to have accepted their provisions.
9.6. Each party member has the right to send one representative with voting rights to the party assembly for every 15 party members or fraction thereof. An equal number of substitutes shall be elected. The number of representatives and eligibility shall be based on the membership register as it stands at the party office 30 days prior to the party assembly, taking into account clause 2.4. The organization of elections of representatives is determined by the laws of individual affiliated associations. Affiliated associations in areas where there is no active young progressive association must strive to ensure that the proportion of representatives at the party assembly from the youth group is not lower than the proportion of youth in their membership register. Affiliated associations must notify their selection of representatives to the party office no later than a week before the party assembly is convened and are responsible for the eligibility of their representatives. At the beginning of the party assembly, a credentials committee of three individuals shall be elected to decide on the validity of credentials and prepare a final list of duly elected party assembly representatives with voting rights. The decisions of the credentials committee can be appealed to the party assembly, which can nullify them by two-thirds of the votes. Any decisions of the party assembly are final and cannot be appealed to the legal committee. All members of the party have the right to attend the party assembly and have speaking and proposal rights.
9.7. Central board members have the right to attend the party assembly with voting rights.
Chapter 10 ‒ About the Central Board.
10.1. The central board acts on behalf of the party between party assemblies and implements its main policies in national matters. The central board determines the party's participation in the government. A policy agreement regarding government cooperation must be presented to the central board.
10.2. The central board consists of:
One representative for each 100 party members in each constituency or fraction thereof above 50. These representatives shall be elected at constituency congresses for one year at a time according to the rules established by the relevant constituency association. At least one third of the representatives must come from the young progressive group. An equal number of substitutes shall be elected in the same way.
Members of parliament from the party and ministers.
National board and executive board of the Progressive Party.
Former members of parliament and ministers from the Progressive Party, provided they are party members.
Full members of the municipal council, municipal managers, or mayors, provided they are party members.
The board and alternate board members of the Workers' Council of the Progressive Party, according to clause 8.4.
Seven representatives elected by the national board.
10.3. The central board shall be convened for meetings twice a year, in spring and autumn, with 30 days' notice. Spring meetings shall be held following constituency congresses. It is permissible to call additional meetings of the central board with shorter notice. At the spring meeting, the party's activities for the upcoming year shall be specially discussed. Other meetings of the central board shall be held when the national board of the party decides, and they are legal if a majority of central board members are present. It is also obligatory to call a central board meeting if one third of central board members request it in writing. In the year the party assembly is held, the executive board has the authority to cancel the spring meeting of the central board and move the discussion regarding the party's activities to the autumn meeting.
10.4. At the spring meeting of the central board, the central board members shall elect from among themselves for one year:
a) Four representatives to the education and communication committee of the Progressive Party and two alternates.
b) Four representatives to the policy committee of the Progressive Party and two alternates.
10.5. Within the central board, an education and communication committee operates. It consists of a chairperson appointed by the executive board and four co-chairs according to item a of clause 10.4. The committee's role is to organize and oversee the implementation of educational and communication matters of the Progressive Party and shall specifically emphasize information dissemination within the party. The committee shall present a report on its activities at the autumn meeting of the central board each year.
10.6. Within the central board, a policy committee operates. It consists of a chairperson appointed by the executive board and four co-chairs according to item b of clause 10.5. The committee's role is to organize and oversee policy work and strategic planning for the Progressive Party. The committee shall present a report on its activities at the autumn meeting of the central board each year.
10.7. If the chairperson of the party vacates their office, the vice-chair shall assume their duties. The central board shall then elect a new vice-chair at its next meeting, and the election remains valid until the next party assembly thereafter.
10.8. If the vice-chair or secretary vacates their office, the central board must elect another in their place at its next meeting, and the election shall remain valid until the next party assembly thereafter.
Chapter 11 ‒ About Boards and Committees.
11.1. The executive board of the Progressive Party consists of the party chairperson, vice-chair, secretary, chair of the parliamentary group, and the chairs of SUF, Women in Progressive, and SEF. The executive board acts on behalf of the central board between central board meetings.
11.2. The national board of the party consists of the executive board of the party, chairs of constituency associations, the chair of the municipal council, and the chair of the Workers' Council. The chair and vice-chair of the Reykjavik constituency association have a seat on the national board if only one constituency association operates in Reykjavik. The secretary of the Progressive Party is the chair of the national board. The national board shapes the policy regarding the internal operations of the party and shall meet at least three times a year. The national board shall present a report on its activities at the autumn meeting of the central board each year.
11.3. Within the party, a finance committee operates, which reports to the executive board. The executive board appoints the chair, and four co-chairs are elected by the national board. The committee's role is to organize the fundraising activities of the Progressive Party and oversee their implementation in consultation with the executive director. The committee shall present a report on its activities at the autumn meeting of the central board each year.
11.4. The equality representative reports to the national board of the Progressive Party and presents its annual status on equality matters in the party. The equality representative also serves as the chair of the equality committee, which consists of representatives from the parliamentary group, Women in Progressive, and SUF, in addition to the executive director.
Chapter 12 ‒ About the Parliamentary Group.
12.1. Members of parliament of the Progressive Party form a parliamentary group. At meetings of the parliamentary group, the party's ministers, the chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, and executive director of the party, chairs of national associations, and, in their absence, their substitutes have a seat with speaking and proposal rights. The parliamentary group elects the party's ministers.
12.2. The parliamentary group elects its chairperson, vice-chairperson, and secretary from among its members at the beginning of each session. Otherwise, the parliamentary group sets its own rules of procedure as long as they do not conflict with these laws. They shall be approved by the national board along with any amendments.
12.3. The parliamentary group shall hold at least one joint meeting each year with the national board, the executive board, and the chairs of permanent committees according to clauses 9.4, 10.5, 10.6, and 11.3.
Chapter 13 ‒ About the Office.
13.1. The Progressive Party operates an office that works to implement and organize the party's social activities nationwide according to the decisions of the central board, executive board, and national board. Additionally, it shall serve as a comprehensive service center for individual affiliated associations and groups of the party in their social activities. The office oversees the membership register of the party and the publication matters.
13.2. The executive board appoints the party’s executive director, who attends executive board meetings with speaking and proposal rights and is also the executive director of the parliamentary group of Progressives. The executive director hires other staff members of the party. The executive director shall manage the party office and its finances in consultation with the executive board and signs the party's documents.
Chapter 14 ‒ About Disclosure Obligations.
14.1. All party officials who work in the course of their duties receive documents from the membership register of the Progressive Party. They are required to keep this information confidential and are prohibited from disseminating it in any way. Reference is made to the Act No. 90/2018 on personal data protection and the processing of personal data.
Chapter 15 ‒ Miscellaneous Provisions.
15.1. All elections under these laws shall be written if so requested. It is permitted to conduct electronic elections if possible. Then it shall be permissible to vote electronically in all elections within the party, including between proposals or candidates, as well as to approve the list as a whole. Ballots shall be destroyed after the election, following the appeal period.
15.2. If not stated otherwise in these laws, a simple majority shall decide on decisions within the Progressive Party.
15.3. It is permitted to hold all meetings and assemblies under these laws, excluding the party assembly, electronically unless external circumstances such as natural disasters or other such events prevent the possibility of holding the party assembly in person. Members must identify themselves with electronic credentials when voting.
15.4. The election of a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and secretary at the party assembly shall be conducted separately through written or electronic vote. However, it is permitted to vote for two or three offices at the same time if the party assembly agrees. If no one receives a clear majority of the votes cast, that is, over 50% including blank and invalid votes, for the positions of chairperson, vice-chairperson, or secretary, a second round shall be held immediately. Only the two candidates who received the most votes in the first round will be eligible, and the one who receives the most votes in the second round shall be elected.
15.5. Auditors shall be elected at the party assembly from among party members based on nominations, provided the consent of the relevant associations is obtained before the election. Written voting shall be conducted in the same manner as for the election of party officials according to clause 15.1 if more than two candidates are proposed. The auditors shall review the party's accounts and all accounting records for each fiscal year. They shall confirm the party's annual accounts with their endorsement. At the party assembly, a licensed auditor shall be elected for a two-year term to audit the party's accounts.
15.6. Constituency associations and party members shall determine the party’s policy priorities in local and municipal matters as they see fit, provided they align with the party's political platform.
15.7. Candidacies for municipal councils are the responsibility of affiliated associations in the respective municipality. Affiliated associations decide how to conduct candidate selection, manage the election process, and finalize the candidacy lists.
15.8. If a dispute arises regarding how to interpret these laws, the national board shall resolve it with a decision. This decision may be appealed to the party's legal committee. The decision of the national board remains in effect until the legal committee issues a ruling on the matter.
15.9. In appointing to confidential and accountability positions within the party, as well as selecting its candidacy lists, the representation of either gender must not be less than 40% unless there are transparent and obvious reasons to the contrary. The equality committee and Women in Progressive shall advise, as needed, to meet this objective.
15.10. Applications for seats in the party's permanent committees must be submitted to the office seven days before the election of the relevant committee and shall be mentioned in the meeting invitation. If no applications are received, the national board shall nominate representatives for the appropriate committees.
15.11. The laws and political platform of the Progressive Party shall be accessible in at least two languages, and the office of the Progressive Party shall strive to ensure this for other party materials.
15.12. All individuals serving in confidential positions in the name of the Progressive Party must adhere to the laws and ethical standards set by the Progressive Party.
15.13. Decisions regarding the dissolution of the party must be made by two consecutive party assemblies. The approval requires two-thirds of the votes at both assemblies. The second party assembly shall decide on the allocation of the party's assets.
15.14. These laws may only be amended at a party assembly by two-thirds of the votes cast.
15.15. All proposals for amendments to these laws must be received by the office of the Progressive Party at least 15 days before the party assembly. The legal committee shall review the proposals received and submit an opinion to the relevant policy group at the next party assembly.
15.16. These laws shall come into force after the 31st party assembly of the Progressives in 2011. At the same time, previous laws of the Progressive Party enacted at the 30th party assembly of the Progressives in 2009 shall be repealed.
Approved at the 31st party assembly of the Progressives in 2011. Amended at the 35th party assembly of the Progressives in 2018. Amended at the 36th party assembly of the Progressives in 2022. Amended at the 37th party assembly of the Progressives in 2024.
Chapter 1 - Purpose and Objectives.
1.1. The Progressive Party is a political party that works to influence the social structure in Iceland according to the objectives outlined in the party's foundational policy document. The party's area of operation encompasses the entire country, but its address is at Hverfisgata 33, 101 Reykjavík.
Chapter 2 - About Members.
2.1. Any individual who turns 16 years old within the calendar year and who accepts the party's foundational policy document, and is not a member of another political party, can become a member of the Progressive Party.
2.2. Applications for membership in the party and resignations must be communicated in writing or electronically. An application for membership or resignation is only valid if it is signed by the applicant or sent electronically by the individual requesting admission. All applications for membership and resignations must be notified to the Progressive Party office. The office's notification of registration acts as confirmation of membership or resignation, taking into account conditions in clause 3.3.
2.3. A member must be registered in an affiliated association in the municipality where they have their legal residence unless otherwise specifically requested. Even if a member is registered in an affiliated association in a different municipality than where they reside, the voting rights for candidate selection for parliamentary and municipal elections shall follow the legal residence. If there are more than one affiliated associations operating in the municipality, which a member can join, they must be given the option to choose between them.
2.4. The membership register of the party office determines the eligibility and voting rights of members. Each member may only be registered in one affiliated association but is permitted to participate in activities in more than one affiliated association.
When a member changes their residence from the area of the affiliated association of which they are a member, they will automatically become a member of the affiliated association operating where they move to unless otherwise specifically requested. If more than one affiliated association operates in that municipality, the member must be given the opportunity to choose between them.
2.5. If a member wishes to change their affiliated association and has permission to do so according to these laws, they must send a request for such in writing or electronically to the party office. The request is only valid if it is signed by the member or sent electronically by the individual wishing to change their affiliated association.
2.6. A member in the youth association may not be a member for longer than through the calendar year in which they turn 35. After that, the member will automatically become a member of the affiliated association that operates in the municipality where the member has legal residence or has a fixed residence for the majority of the year unless the member requests otherwise. If more than one affiliated association operates in that municipality, which the member can join, they shall be given the option to choose between them.
2.7. No one can hold a confidential position in the party's institutions or take a seat on the party’s candidacy list for parliamentary elections without being a member of the Progressive Party.
2.8. If a member runs for Parliament for another political party or political organisation other than the Progressive Party or joins another political party or political organisation publicly, it is equivalent to resignation from the party.
Chapter 3 - About Affiliated Associations.
3.1. General progressive associations, women’s progressive associations, and youth associations are the fundamental units of the Progressive Party.
3.2. If an organization wishes to join the Progressive Party, it must send the national board the minutes of the founding meeting, the association's bylaws, the membership register, and the appointment of the board. The national board shall evaluate whether it is necessary to establish a new association or encourage members to work within existing associations in the relevant area. A new association may only be established if it has ten or more members. Once the national board confirms the association's membership, it obtains full rights within the party.
3.3. Associations and representatives shall hold an annual general meeting before 15 May. Voting rights at the annual general meeting are granted to those who have registered in the association 30 days prior to the meeting according to the membership register at the party office, taking into account clause 2.4. Following the annual general meeting, the board of the association is required to send a report on the activities of the association from the last operating year and information about the composition of the board to the relevant constituency association. If the annual general meeting is not held in accordance with the first sentence, the relevant association loses its right to representation at the constituency congress and party assembly. If the annual general meeting is not held according to the first sentence, the board of the constituency association shall call for an annual general meeting within three weeks. If such a summons occurs for two consecutive years, the board of the constituency association must report on the activities of the association before the national board makes a decision on the dissolution of the association or its merger with another association.
If there are fewer than 10 members, the board of the constituency association must report on the activities of the association before the national board makes a decision on the dissolution of the association or its merger with another association.
3.4. The affiliated associations set their own bylaws as long as they comply with the laws of the respective constituency association and the laws of the Progressive Party. Associations are permitted to collect membership fees. The bylaws of the affiliated association and amendments to them must be submitted to the board of the relevant constituency association for approval, and the amendments shall not take effect until confirmed by the constituency council.
3.5. If a dispute arises about the interpretation of the bylaws of an affiliated association, the board of the association shall decide with a resolution. This decision may be appealed to the legal committee of the Progressive Party. However, the decision of the association’s board remains in effect until the legal committee has issued a ruling on the matter.
Chapter 4 - About Constituency Associations.
4.1. Affiliated associations within each constituency have an association, a constituency association. Constituency associations shall oversee and initiate meetings of elected representatives, party confidential agents, and general party members in the relevant constituency as well as other party activities. However, it is permitted that one constituency association operates for both the northern and southern Reykjavik constituencies.
4.2. The constituency association shall hold a representative meeting - a constituency congress before 15 April each year, and at least one information meeting with the constituency's parliamentarians each legislative winter. The annual financial statement of the constituency association shall be submitted to the office by 15 May each year, confirmed by the board and reviewers.
4.3. At constituency congresses, at least the following members have voting rights:
a) At least one representative for every 10 members of each affiliated association in the constituency. However, there must always be at least one representative from each municipality in the association's area. An equal number of substitutes shall be elected. The number of representatives from individual affiliated associations shall be based on the membership register as it stands at the party office 30 days prior to the constituency congress, taking into account clause 2.4. Affiliated associations in areas where there is no active young progressive association must strive to ensure that the proportion of representatives at the constituency congress from the youth group is not less than the proportion of youth in their membership register.
b) Full members of the board of the respective constituency association.
c) Full members of the national board of the Progressive Party who reside in the constituency.
Furthermore, all members in the constituency shall have the right to attend the constituency congress with speaking and proposal rights. No later than 15 days before the constituency congress, the board of the constituency association shall appoint a working committee that receives proposals for candidates to be elected for confidential roles.
4.4. After the constituency congress, the board of each constituency association shall send a report on the activities of the association, information about who composes the board, and other confidential positions, as well as copies of the reports from those associations that belong to the respective constituency association to the party office.
4.5. The executive board of the party and the director have the right to attend meetings and congresses of constituency associations with speaking and proposal rights.
4.6. Constituency associations set their own bylaws, which must comply with the laws of the Progressive Party. The bylaws of constituency associations and amendments to them shall be submitted to the national board of the party for approval, and the amendments shall not come into effect until confirmed by the national board.
4.7. If a dispute arises regarding the interpretation of the laws of a constituency association or rules concerning candidate selection, the board of the relevant constituency association shall decide with a resolution. This decision may be appealed to the legal committee of the Progressive Party. The decision of the board of the constituency association remains in effect until the legal committee has issued a ruling on the matter.
Chapter 5 - About the Method of List Selection.
5.1. In parliamentary elections, the constituency association shall present a list of candidates from the Progressive Party in its constituency. However, if one constituency association operates in Reykjavik, it may present a list of candidates from the Progressive Party for both the northern and southern Reykjavik constituencies on its own behalf. The constituency congress is responsible for the selection process and finalising the candidacy list. Rules regarding candidacies must be available at least 6 months prior to regular parliamentary elections. Rules for candidate selection can be of five types: Electronic voting; closed primary; double constituency congress; nomination; open primary. The national board of the Progressive Party establishes uniform rules that apply to all options in all constituencies for candidacies to Parliament and submits them to the national board for approval. The voter registry will close 30 days prior to the election date. The candidacy deadline expires 15 days before the election date.
In irregular parliamentary elections, the rules for candidacies must be available 10 days after the dissolution of Parliament, the voter registry for the selection will close 14 days after the dissolution, and the candidacy deadline for selections expires 14 days after the dissolution.
5.2. If it is not possible to appoint a candidacy list for the party in the constituency, according to clause 5.1., the executive board shall present a list of candidates for the Progressive Party in consultation with the board of the relevant constituency association.
5.3. For the party's candidacy in municipal elections, the following applies:
a) The representative council/association meeting in each municipality shall decide on the candidacy and method for arranging the list.
b) Rules regarding candidate selection can be of four types: Electronic voting; closed primary; nomination; open primary. The national board of the Progressive Party sets uniform rules applicable to all options in municipalities. The voter registry will close 30 days prior to election day. The candidacy deadline expires 15 days before election day.
c) If the Progressive Party forms a candidacy with another party/parties or organisations, the representative council/association meeting of the progressive association shall establish rules for how to conduct such collaboration with other parties or organisations in municipal governance.
Chapter 6 ‒ About National Associations.
6.1. Within the Progressive Party, there are three national associations. The National Union of Young Progressives (SUF), Women in Progressive, and the National Association of Older Progressives (SEF). The role of the national associations is to enhance and coordinate the activities of their affiliated associations and increase participation in party activities.
6.2. The executive board of the party and the director have the right to attend the assemblies and meetings of the national associations with speaking and proposal rights.
6.3. The national associations set their own laws as long as they comply with the laws of the Progressive Party. The laws of the national associations and changes to them shall be submitted to the national board of the party for approval. Changes will not take effect until confirmed by the national board.
6.4. If a dispute arises concerning how to interpret the laws of the national association, the board of the association makes a decision. This decision may be appealed to the legal committee of the Progressive Party. However, the decision of the board of the national association remains in effect until the legal committee has issued a ruling on the matter.
Chapter 7 ‒ About the Municipal Council.
7.1. Within the Progressive Party, a municipal council shall operate. The municipal council shall consist of three municipal council members from each constituency across the country. An equal number of substitutes shall be elected.
7.2. The purpose of the municipal council is to strengthen the operations of the Progressive Party in the field of municipal affairs, to increase collaboration among municipal council members of the party, and to serve as advisors to the party leadership and parliamentary group of progressives.
7.3. Representatives on the municipal council must be full members of the municipal council, municipal managers, or mayors, and must also be members of the Progressive Party. In constituencies where fewer than three individuals meet these criteria, alternates may be elected and, if necessary, regular representatives to the council from among the substitutes in the municipal council. In cases where there are not enough regular and alternate members present, observer representatives shall be elected in their place. Observer representatives have speaking and proposal rights in the municipal council.
7.4. The first regular constituency congress after municipal elections elects representatives to the municipal council. The representatives shall be elected at the constituency congress in accordance with clause 7.3.
The election shall be conducted in such a way that the three who receive the highest votes will become regular representatives, and the next three will become alternate representatives. The election of the municipal council remains in effect until the first regular constituency congress held after the subsequent municipal elections following the election.
7.5. The municipal council shall meet at least once a year. The national board shall call the council together for its first meeting following municipal elections. At that meeting, the council shall elect a three-member board, a chairman, and two co-chairs from among their group. The board thereafter bears responsibility for the work of the council. The election of the board remains in effect until a new election for the municipal council is held after the board's term expires, according to clause 7.4.
7.6. The municipal council shall present a work plan that shall be introduced and discussed at the spring meeting of the national board. The municipal council shall hold a conference on municipal affairs twice during the term of the municipal councils.
Chapter 8 ‒ About the Workers' Council.
8.1. Within the Progressive Party, a Workers' Council shall operate. The Workers' Council shall consist of three representatives from each constituency across the country. An equal number of substitutes shall be elected.
8.2. The purpose of the Workers' Council is to enhance the role of workers within the Progressive Party, to provide advice within the party on the issues of workers, and to increase collaboration among those Progressives who work within the trade union movement. The board of the Workers' Council shall hold an annual meeting with elected representatives of Progressives and individuals from the labour market.
8.3. Representatives to the Workers' Council shall be elected at constituency congresses. The first regular constituency congress after parliamentary elections shall elect representatives to the Workers' Council. The representatives shall be elected from among the workers in the constituency. The election shall be conducted in such a way that the three who receive the highest votes become regular representatives, and the next three become alternate representatives. The election of the Workers' Council remains in effect until the first regular constituency congress held after the next parliamentary elections following the election.
8.4. The Workers' Council shall meet at least once a year. The national board shall call the council together for its first meeting following parliamentary elections. At that meeting, the council shall elect a three-member board, a chairman, two co-chairs, and three alternates from their group. The board thereafter bears responsibility for the work of the council. The election of the board remains in effect until a new election for the Workers' Council is held after its term expires, according to clause 8.3.
Chapter 9 ‒ About the Party Assembly.
9.1. The Progressive Party holds a regular party assembly which the central board calls for, no less than every two years, and it shall generally be held in the first half of the year. The executive board is required to call a party assembly if a majority of constituency assemblies request it. It shall be held in the Southwestern region within 45 days after such a request is deemed properly submitted.
If the party assembly approves the dissolution of the party according to the provisions of Article 15.11, the executive board shall promptly call for a subsequent party assembly.
9.2. The party assembly determines the main direction of the party in national matters, sets the party's laws, and has the highest authority in its matters. At the party assembly, the secretary shall present a report on the party’s activities since the last assembly and the executive director shall present a report on the party's finances from the same period.
Draft proposals for matters to be resolved at the party assembly must be prepared and submitted to party members one week before the assembly.
9.3. At the party assembly, a chairperson of the Progressive Party shall be elected, and they shall also be the chairperson of the central board of the party. Furthermore, the party assembly shall elect a vice-chairperson, a secretary, and two auditors of accounts. Additionally, two co-chairs for the legal committee and two alternates shall be elected. Furthermore, two co-chairs for the ethics committee and two alternates shall be elected.
9.4. Within the party, a legal committee operates. Its members include a chairperson appointed by the executive board, along with two co-chairs elected by the party assembly. The chairperson must have a legal education. The role of the committee is to resolve disputes that may arise regarding how to interpret these laws, the laws of individual associations or parties of the group, as well as the rules regarding candidate selection. The committee shall adjudicate matters appealed to it according to further provisions in these laws within 30 days. The committee's rulings shall be in writing.
If there is an urgent need for a decision or ruling in disputes that fall under the committee's jurisdiction as soon as possible, cases may be taken directly to it without appeal to other parties according to these laws. In such situations, the committee shall independently assess whether such urgent conditions warrant a departure from the normal handling of cases. Rulings of the legal committee in disputes or interpretation matters that are appealed to it are final within the Progressive Party.
9.5. Within the party, an ethics committee operates. Its members include a chairperson appointed by the executive board, along with two co-chairs elected by the party assembly.
Notifications to the ethics committee must be in writing. Those who are under investigation for breaches of ethical rules shall be granted the right to contest and cases must be sufficiently substantiated before the ethics committee gives its opinion. The ethics committee shall provide a reasoned opinion on whether the ethical rules of the Progressive Party have been violated within 30 days of the notification being received. If a violation is established, the committee shall give its opinion based on the following hierarchy: (i) minor violation; (ii) violation; (iii) serious violation. Violations of ethical rules that are also a violation of national laws shall generally be considered serious. A simple majority of votes determines the position of the ethics committee, although an opinion on a serious violation must be unanimous. The opinion of the ethics committee regarding the interpretation of the ethical rules of the Progressive Party is final. Matters concerning the handling of the ethics committee's proceedings can be appealed to the legal committee of the Progressive Party.
The executive board shall address the opinion of the ethics committee regarding breaches of ethical rules and decide on responses to that conclusion. If a serious violation is established, the executive board shall generally conclude that the relevant confidential agent of the Progressive Party be temporarily relieved of all confidential duties. If a serious violation is established, the next regular central board meeting shall consider the executive board's resolution and decide whether the relevant confidential agent shall be indefinitely relieved of all confidential duties for the Progressive Party. The party assembly sets the ethical rules of the Progressive Party in the same manner as these laws, and all party members are considered to have accepted their provisions.
9.6. Each party member has the right to send one representative with voting rights to the party assembly for every 15 party members or fraction thereof. An equal number of substitutes shall be elected. The number of representatives and eligibility shall be based on the membership register as it stands at the party office 30 days prior to the party assembly, taking into account clause 2.4. The organization of elections of representatives is determined by the laws of individual affiliated associations. Affiliated associations in areas where there is no active young progressive association must strive to ensure that the proportion of representatives at the party assembly from the youth group is not lower than the proportion of youth in their membership register. Affiliated associations must notify their selection of representatives to the party office no later than a week before the party assembly is convened and are responsible for the eligibility of their representatives. At the beginning of the party assembly, a credentials committee of three individuals shall be elected to decide on the validity of credentials and prepare a final list of duly elected party assembly representatives with voting rights. The decisions of the credentials committee can be appealed to the party assembly, which can nullify them by two-thirds of the votes. Any decisions of the party assembly are final and cannot be appealed to the legal committee. All members of the party have the right to attend the party assembly and have speaking and proposal rights.
9.7. Central board members have the right to attend the party assembly with voting rights.
Chapter 10 ‒ About the Central Board.
10.1. The central board acts on behalf of the party between party assemblies and implements its main policies in national matters. The central board determines the party's participation in the government. A policy agreement regarding government cooperation must be presented to the central board.
10.2. The central board consists of:
One representative for each 100 party members in each constituency or fraction thereof above 50. These representatives shall be elected at constituency congresses for one year at a time according to the rules established by the relevant constituency association. At least one third of the representatives must come from the young progressive group. An equal number of substitutes shall be elected in the same way.
Members of parliament from the party and ministers.
National board and executive board of the Progressive Party.
Former members of parliament and ministers from the Progressive Party, provided they are party members.
Full members of the municipal council, municipal managers, or mayors, provided they are party members.
The board and alternate board members of the Workers' Council of the Progressive Party, according to clause 8.4.
Seven representatives elected by the national board.
10.3. The central board shall be convened for meetings twice a year, in spring and autumn, with 30 days' notice. Spring meetings shall be held following constituency congresses. It is permissible to call additional meetings of the central board with shorter notice. At the spring meeting, the party's activities for the upcoming year shall be specially discussed. Other meetings of the central board shall be held when the national board of the party decides, and they are legal if a majority of central board members are present. It is also obligatory to call a central board meeting if one third of central board members request it in writing. In the year the party assembly is held, the executive board has the authority to cancel the spring meeting of the central board and move the discussion regarding the party's activities to the autumn meeting.
10.4. At the spring meeting of the central board, the central board members shall elect from among themselves for one year:
a) Four representatives to the education and communication committee of the Progressive Party and two alternates.
b) Four representatives to the policy committee of the Progressive Party and two alternates.
10.5. Within the central board, an education and communication committee operates. It consists of a chairperson appointed by the executive board and four co-chairs according to item a of clause 10.4. The committee's role is to organize and oversee the implementation of educational and communication matters of the Progressive Party and shall specifically emphasize information dissemination within the party. The committee shall present a report on its activities at the autumn meeting of the central board each year.
10.6. Within the central board, a policy committee operates. It consists of a chairperson appointed by the executive board and four co-chairs according to item b of clause 10.5. The committee's role is to organize and oversee policy work and strategic planning for the Progressive Party. The committee shall present a report on its activities at the autumn meeting of the central board each year.
10.7. If the chairperson of the party vacates their office, the vice-chair shall assume their duties. The central board shall then elect a new vice-chair at its next meeting, and the election remains valid until the next party assembly thereafter.
10.8. If the vice-chair or secretary vacates their office, the central board must elect another in their place at its next meeting, and the election shall remain valid until the next party assembly thereafter.
Chapter 11 ‒ About Boards and Committees.
11.1. The executive board of the Progressive Party consists of the party chairperson, vice-chair, secretary, chair of the parliamentary group, and the chairs of SUF, Women in Progressive, and SEF. The executive board acts on behalf of the central board between central board meetings.
11.2. The national board of the party consists of the executive board of the party, chairs of constituency associations, the chair of the municipal council, and the chair of the Workers' Council. The chair and vice-chair of the Reykjavik constituency association have a seat on the national board if only one constituency association operates in Reykjavik. The secretary of the Progressive Party is the chair of the national board. The national board shapes the policy regarding the internal operations of the party and shall meet at least three times a year. The national board shall present a report on its activities at the autumn meeting of the central board each year.
11.3. Within the party, a finance committee operates, which reports to the executive board. The executive board appoints the chair, and four co-chairs are elected by the national board. The committee's role is to organize the fundraising activities of the Progressive Party and oversee their implementation in consultation with the executive director. The committee shall present a report on its activities at the autumn meeting of the central board each year.
11.4. The equality representative reports to the national board of the Progressive Party and presents its annual status on equality matters in the party. The equality representative also serves as the chair of the equality committee, which consists of representatives from the parliamentary group, Women in Progressive, and SUF, in addition to the executive director.
Chapter 12 ‒ About the Parliamentary Group.
12.1. Members of parliament of the Progressive Party form a parliamentary group. At meetings of the parliamentary group, the party's ministers, the chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, and executive director of the party, chairs of national associations, and, in their absence, their substitutes have a seat with speaking and proposal rights. The parliamentary group elects the party's ministers.
12.2. The parliamentary group elects its chairperson, vice-chairperson, and secretary from among its members at the beginning of each session. Otherwise, the parliamentary group sets its own rules of procedure as long as they do not conflict with these laws. They shall be approved by the national board along with any amendments.
12.3. The parliamentary group shall hold at least one joint meeting each year with the national board, the executive board, and the chairs of permanent committees according to clauses 9.4, 10.5, 10.6, and 11.3.
Chapter 13 ‒ About the Office.
13.1. The Progressive Party operates an office that works to implement and organize the party's social activities nationwide according to the decisions of the central board, executive board, and national board. Additionally, it shall serve as a comprehensive service center for individual affiliated associations and groups of the party in their social activities. The office oversees the membership register of the party and the publication matters.
13.2. The executive board appoints the party’s executive director, who attends executive board meetings with speaking and proposal rights and is also the executive director of the parliamentary group of Progressives. The executive director hires other staff members of the party. The executive director shall manage the party office and its finances in consultation with the executive board and signs the party's documents.
Chapter 14 ‒ About Disclosure Obligations.
14.1. All party officials who work in the course of their duties receive documents from the membership register of the Progressive Party. They are required to keep this information confidential and are prohibited from disseminating it in any way. Reference is made to the Act No. 90/2018 on personal data protection and the processing of personal data.
Chapter 15 ‒ Miscellaneous Provisions.
15.1. All elections under these laws shall be written if so requested. It is permitted to conduct electronic elections if possible. Then it shall be permissible to vote electronically in all elections within the party, including between proposals or candidates, as well as to approve the list as a whole. Ballots shall be destroyed after the election, following the appeal period.
15.2. If not stated otherwise in these laws, a simple majority shall decide on decisions within the Progressive Party.
15.3. It is permitted to hold all meetings and assemblies under these laws, excluding the party assembly, electronically unless external circumstances such as natural disasters or other such events prevent the possibility of holding the party assembly in person. Members must identify themselves with electronic credentials when voting.
15.4. The election of a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and secretary at the party assembly shall be conducted separately through written or electronic vote. However, it is permitted to vote for two or three offices at the same time if the party assembly agrees. If no one receives a clear majority of the votes cast, that is, over 50% including blank and invalid votes, for the positions of chairperson, vice-chairperson, or secretary, a second round shall be held immediately. Only the two candidates who received the most votes in the first round will be eligible, and the one who receives the most votes in the second round shall be elected.
15.5. Auditors shall be elected at the party assembly from among party members based on nominations, provided the consent of the relevant associations is obtained before the election. Written voting shall be conducted in the same manner as for the election of party officials according to clause 15.1 if more than two candidates are proposed. The auditors shall review the party's accounts and all accounting records for each fiscal year. They shall confirm the party's annual accounts with their endorsement. At the party assembly, a licensed auditor shall be elected for a two-year term to audit the party's accounts.
15.6. Constituency associations and party members shall determine the party’s policy priorities in local and municipal matters as they see fit, provided they align with the party's political platform.
15.7. Candidacies for municipal councils are the responsibility of affiliated associations in the respective municipality. Affiliated associations decide how to conduct candidate selection, manage the election process, and finalize the candidacy lists.
15.8. If a dispute arises regarding how to interpret these laws, the national board shall resolve it with a decision. This decision may be appealed to the party's legal committee. The decision of the national board remains in effect until the legal committee issues a ruling on the matter.
15.9. In appointing to confidential and accountability positions within the party, as well as selecting its candidacy lists, the representation of either gender must not be less than 40% unless there are transparent and obvious reasons to the contrary. The equality committee and Women in Progressive shall advise, as needed, to meet this objective.
15.10. Applications for seats in the party's permanent committees must be submitted to the office seven days before the election of the relevant committee and shall be mentioned in the meeting invitation. If no applications are received, the national board shall nominate representatives for the appropriate committees.
15.11. The laws and political platform of the Progressive Party shall be accessible in at least two languages, and the office of the Progressive Party shall strive to ensure this for other party materials.
15.12. All individuals serving in confidential positions in the name of the Progressive Party must adhere to the laws and ethical standards set by the Progressive Party.
15.13. Decisions regarding the dissolution of the party must be made by two consecutive party assemblies. The approval requires two-thirds of the votes at both assemblies. The second party assembly shall decide on the allocation of the party's assets.
15.14. These laws may only be amended at a party assembly by two-thirds of the votes cast.
15.15. All proposals for amendments to these laws must be received by the office of the Progressive Party at least 15 days before the party assembly. The legal committee shall review the proposals received and submit an opinion to the relevant policy group at the next party assembly.
15.16. These laws shall come into force after the 31st party assembly of the Progressives in 2011. At the same time, previous laws of the Progressive Party enacted at the 30th party assembly of the Progressives in 2009 shall be repealed.
Approved at the 31st party assembly of the Progressives in 2011. Amended at the 35th party assembly of the Progressives in 2018. Amended at the 36th party assembly of the Progressives in 2022. Amended at the 37th party assembly of the Progressives in 2024.
The future is determined at the centre
The future is determined at the centre
The future is determined at the centre
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