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Governance Charter of the African Democratic Alliance for Freedom and Progress (ADAFP)
PREAMBLE We, the founding members of the African Democratic Alliance for Freedom and Progress (ADAFP),
• Inspired by the enduring ideals of liberty, democracy, human rights, and social progress, as articulated in the historic Manden Charter of Kurukan Fuga, alongside other African and international conventions and charters; • Energised to build an Africa founded on justice, tolerance, prosperity, and unity; • Determined to strengthen cooperation among democratic, liberal, and progressive forces across the continent; for the sustenance of good accountable governance and economic independence • Committed to upholding the principles of non-discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, or political opinion, in accordance with international human rights standards;
• Guided by the principles enshrined in the Rabat Declaration; Hereby adopt this Governance Charter of the African Democratic Alliance for Freedom and Progress (ADAFP), as the supreme guiding document of our Alliance.
CHAPTER I: NAME, SYMBOLS, LEGAL STATUS, AND LANGUAGES Article 1. Name The official name of the organization shall be the African Democratic Alliance for Freedom and Progress (ADAFP). Article 2. Symbols
1. Logo: As attached, represents democracy, unity, and progress, and shall appear on all official documents and communications. 2. Flag: As attached, symbolizes peace, liberty, and African solidarity, and shall be displayed at all official events. 3. Additional Symbols: A slogan, anthem, or emblem may be adopted by a majority vote of the General Assembly (GA).
Article 3. Legal Status and Registration
1. ADAFP shall be registered as a Pan-African Non-Governmental Organization (PANGO) and recognized as a legal entity. 2. It shall operate in full compliance with the laws of its country of registration and other relevant jurisdictions.
Article 4. Headquarters The headquarters of ADAFP shall be located in a Member State of the African Union, as determined by the General Assembly. Article 5. Official Languages
1. English shall be the working language of ADAFP. 2. French translation and interpretation shall be provided during General Assembly meetings and major events. 3. Key documents shall also be translated into other official African Union languages — Arabic, Portuguese, Swahili, and Spanish — to ensure inclusivity and accessibility.
Article 6. Intellectual Property All ADAFP symbols, materials, and documents constitute the intellectual property of the organization. Unauthorized reproduction, misuse, or distribution is strictly prohibited.
CHAPTER II: GOVERNING DOCUMENTS Article 7. Hierarchy of Governing Documents The work and governance of ADAFP shall be guided by the following official documents, which collectively constitute its Governing Framework:
1. The Rabat Declaration 2. The Political Manifesto 3. The Governance Charter 4. The ADAFP By-laws 5. The Code of Conduct
Article 8. Order of Authority In the event of any contradiction or interpretative ambiguity among ADAFP’s governing documents, the order of authority shall be as follows:
1. The Rabat Declaration 2. The Governance Charter 3. The Political Manifesto 4. The By-laws 5. The Code of Conduct
Article 9. Review and Amendment
1. Each governing document shall be subject to periodic review to ensure relevance and consistency with ADAFP’s mission. 2. Amendments shall follow procedures outlined in this Charter or the specific by-laws governing each document.
CHAPTER III: MEMBERSHIP Article 10. Categories of Membership Membership in ADAFP shall comprise:
1. Full Members: Liberal, democratic, and progressive political parties or coalitions committed to ADAFP’s principles. 2. Associate Members: Civil society organizations, youth and women’s groups, or think tanks aligned with ADAFP’s mission. 3. National Chapters: Country-level structures organized by liberal leaders, parliamentarians, or activists supporting ADAFP’s objectives.
Article 11. Application for Membership
1. Applications shall be submitted to the Executive Committee (EC). 2. The EC shall review applications and approve them by a simple majority vote. 3. Admission shall be ratified by the next General Assembly.
Article 12. Rights and Responsibilities of Members Members have the right to: • Participate in ADAFP meetings, programs, and elections; • Vote in the General Assembly according to membership category; • Propose policies, projects, and initiatives. Members have the duty to: • Uphold ADAFP’s principles as articulated in the Rabat Declaration; • Respect the Governance Charter and by-laws; • Pay membership fees promptly; • Actively support ADAFP’s programs and regional cooperation efforts. Article 13. Termination or Suspension of Membership
1. Membership may be suspended or terminated by the EC, subject to confirmation by a two-thirds majority vote of the GA. 2. The concerned member shall have the right to a fair hearing by the Code of Conduct Committee before a final decision is made.
CHAPTER IV: NATIONAL CHAPTERS Article 14. Establishment
1. ADAFP shall promote the creation of national chapters in select African countries. 2. Chapters may be established especially where:
• No liberal or democratic parties are legally recognized; or • Civil society networks are weak or emerging. Article 15. Registration and Recognition
1. Each chapter must be registered under national law. 2. Chapters shall be approved by the EC and integrated into ADAFP’s continental framework.
Article 16. Rights and Responsibilities • Represent ADAFP at the national level; • Recruit members and organize programs consistent with ADAFP’s principles; • Submit annual activity and financial reports to the EC; • Participate in GA sessions through elected delegates. Article 17. Transformation into Political Parties Where national conditions allow, chapters may: • Evolve into political parties inspired by ADAFP’s liberal-democratic vision; or • Serve as foundations for new liberal or progressive parties while maintaining ADAFP affiliation. Article 18. Governance of Chapters Each national chapter shall have: • A National Executive Board for management and strategy; • A National Coordinator as liaison with the EC; • A National Assembly for internal elections and policy formulation.
CHAPTER V: EXECUTIVE INSTITUTIONS Article 19. Purpose and Composition To fulfill its mission, ADAFP shall establish the following institutions:
1. ADAFP Training Center 2. ADAFP Campaign Support Unit 3. ADAFP Think Tank 4. ADAFP Endowment Fund 5. ADAFP Freedom and Progress Prize 6. ADAFP Code of Conduct Committee
These institutions operate under EC supervision, with directors appointed after consultation with the Board of Trustees (BT). Article 20. Regional Distribution Institutions shall be strategically located across Africa’s five regions — North, South, East, West, and Central — to ensure balanced access, representation, and cooperation. Article 21. Reporting All institutions shall submit quarterly reports to the EC and contribute to ADAFP’s annual and biennial continental reports.
CHAPTER VI: GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE Article 22. Leading Organs The leading organs of ADAFP shall consist of:
1. The General Assembly (GA) 2. The Board of Trustees (BT) 3. The Executive Committee (EC)
Article 23. Supporting Organs To reinforce the moral authority, visibility, and continuity of ADAFP, the following Supporting Organs shall be established:
1. The President of Honour (PH) 2. The Patrons (PT)
These organs shall not exercise executive or voting powers but shall serve in advisory, representative, and symbolic capacities, strengthening ADAFP’s legitimacy and outreach.
CHAPTER VII: THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (GA) Article 24. Composition and Powers
1. The GA is the supreme decision-making body of ADAFP. 2. It comprises delegates from member parties, organizations, and national chapters. 3. The GA shall:
• Approve the annual budget and work program; • Elect the Executive Committee; • Amend the Charter and by-laws; • Approve the admission or exclusion of members and chapters; • Review reports from the EC, BT, and Executive Institutions. Article 25. Meetings
1. The GA shall meet once a year in ordinary session. 2. Special sessions may be convened by the President, the EC, or at the request of one-third of members. 3. Online participation and proxy voting may be permitted under approved procedures.
Article 26. Voting
1. Decisions of the GA shall be made by simple majority, unless otherwise specified. 2. Charter amendments and member exclusions require a two-thirds majority.
Article 27. Voting System
1. Each full member party shall have one base vote in the General Assembly. 2. Additional votes shall be granted to parties with parliamentary representation according to the following formula:
where: • M = number of seats held by the party in the national parliament; • T = total number of seats in that parliament; • The constant K is the scaling factor approved by the GA (proposed 15).
3. The resulting votes shall be rounded to the nearest whole number. 4. Parties without MPs shall each retain one vote. 5. Associate Members and National Chapters shall each have one vote. 6. The EC may review and recommend adjustments to the scaling factor (15) to maintain equitable balance among members.
CHAPTER VIII: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BT) Article 28. Role and Composition
1. The BT provides strategic guidance, mentorship, and mediation. 2. It shall consist of 10–15 respected leaders and experts, elected by the GA for single term of 10 years. 3. Members may be removed by the GA for serious violations of ADAFP principles following a fair hearing by the Code of Conduct Committee 4. The BT shall elect a Chairperson from among its members. 5. Members may be removed by the GA for serious violations of ADAFP principles. 6. Trustees serve in a non-voting advisory capacity. 7. Vacancies shall be filled by the next GA upon recommendation of the Chairperson.
Article 29. Responsibilities • Advise the EC and GA on strategy and policy; • Review major political and programmatic initiatives; • Assist in conflict resolution; • Administer the Freedom and Progress Prize; • Safeguard ADAFP’s vision, institutional memory, and continuity.
CHAPTER IX : THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (EC) Article 30. Composition The EC shall consist of:
• President • Two Deputy Presidents • Secretary-General • Deputy Secretary-General • Treasure • Deputy Treasurer
Members serve three-year terms, renewable once. Vacancies may be filled by EC appointment, subject to GA confirmation. Article 31. Duties and Responsibilities The EC shall: • Implement GA decisions and manage day-to-day affairs; • Oversee financial and administrative operations; • Represent ADAFP in regional and international forums; • Approve and supervise national chapters; • Ensure compliance with ADAFP’s Charter, democratic standards, and ethics. Article 32. Authority over Chapters
1. The EC may suspend or exclude any chapter acting contrary to ADAFP’s values, following a fair hearing by the Code of Conduct Committee. 2. Such actions must be confirmed by the next GA.
Article 33. Reporting The EC shall submit a semiannual report to the President of Honour (PH) and the Board of Trustees (BT), and a annual report to the GA, detailing organizational performance, finances, and strategic progress.
CHAPTER X: SUPPORTING ORGANS Section 1: President of Honour (PH) Article 34. Role and Selection
1. The President of Honour (PH) serves as the principal moral authority and symbolic leader of ADAFP. 2. The PH shall be elected by the General Assembly for life or until voluntary resignation. 3. The position shall be held by a current or former President or Head of Government of an African country whose record reflects commitment to democracy, freedom, and progress.
Article 35. Responsibilities The President of Honour shall: • Represent ADAFP at major continental and international events; • Open and preside over ceremonial sessions of the General Assembly; • Deliver keynote addresses and moral guidance; • Offer strategic counsel to the GA, EC, and BT; • Promote ADAFP’s visibility and credibility among political leaders and the public. Section 2: Patrons (PT) Article 36. Role and Composition
1. Patrons shall include former Heads of State and former Heads of Government of African countries whose political trajectories and public service exemplify the defense of freedom, democracy, human rights, and social progress. 2. Patrons shall be invited by the Executive Committee and confirmed by the General Assembly. 3. The number of Patrons shall be no more than ten (10) at any given time, ensuring regional balance and gender representation. 4. Patrons shall serve as honorary figures without executive or voting authority.
Article 37. Responsibilities Patrons shall: • Uphold and promote the values and mission of ADAFP across Africa and internationally; • Lend moral authority, historical depth, and political legitimacy to the Alliance; • Support ADAFP’s advocacy, diplomacy, and public communication efforts; • Serve as high-level ambassadors for ADAFP’s ideals and initiatives; • Participate in key ceremonies, conferences, and mentorship activities. Article 38. Coordination and Participation
1. The Patrons shall meet at least once per year in an Advisory Session, convened by the President of Honour and facilitated by the EC. 2. Their recommendations shall be transmitted in writing to the EC and the BT for consideration. 3. Patrons may attend General Assembly meetings as honorary guests, with the right to speak but not to vote.
CHAPTER XI: FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Article 39. Financial Management
1. The Treasurer shall prepare the annual budget and oversee income and expenditures. 2. The EC shall manage funds in line with approved financial regulations. 3. Independent audits shall be conducted annually.
Article 40. Sources of Funding • Membership fees and subscriptions; • Grants and donations; • Fundraising activities; • Projects and partnerships consistent with ADAFP’s mission. Article 41. Membership Fees
1. Each full member party shall pay an annual membership fee determined by the following formula:
where: • M = number of seats held by the member party in its national parliament; • T = total number of seats in that national parliament; • 300 USD = base fee applicable to all full member parties; • 3500 USD = proportionality constant adjustable by the GA.
2. The resulting amount shall be rounded to the nearest fifty (50) USD. 3. Parties without MPs shall pay only the base fee of 300 USD. 4. Associate Members and National Chapters shall each pay a flat annual fee of 300 USD. 5. The EC may propose adjustments to the proportionality constant (3500 USD) based on inflation, regional cost variations, or organizational needs, subject to GA approval.
Article 42. Transparency Quarterly financial reports shall be presented to the EC, and an annual financial report submitted to the GA.
CHAPTER XII: MEETINGS AND DECISION-MAKING Article 43. Frequency of Meetings • General Assembly: Every 2 years • Executive Committee: At least 4 times per year • Board of Trustees: At least once per year Article 44. Quorum • GA: Majority of members present or represented. • EC: Half of members plus one. • BT: Any members present. Article 45. Conduct of Meetings All meetings shall follow ADAFP’s Code of Conduct, ensuring inclusivity, confidentiality, and democratic respect.
CHAPTER XIII: AMENDMENTS Article 46. Procedure
1. Amendments may be proposed by the EC, the BT, or one-third of members. 2. Proposed amendments shall be circulated at least 30 days before the GA. 3. Adoption requires a two-thirds majority of GA delegates.
CHAPTER XIV: DISSOLUTION Article 47. Conditions
1. ADAFP may be dissolved only by a two-thirds GA vote. 2. Dissolution may occur due to insolvency, mission completion, or legal prohibition.
Article 48. Procedure
1. A Dissolution Committee shall settle debts, distribute assets, and ensure legal compliance. 2. Remaining assets shall go to a non-profit organization with similar objectives. 3. A final audit report shall be presented to the GA.
CHAPTER XV: FINAL PROVISIONS Article 49. Interpretation The Executive Committee (EC) shall interpret this Charter, subject to BT versight. Article 50. Entry into Force This Charter enters into force immediately upon its adoption by the Founding General Assembly of ADAFP.
Adopted in Casablanca, Kingdom of Morocco, on 13 February 2026, by the Founding General Assembly of the African Democratic Alliance for Freedom and Progress (ADAFP)