SOUTH SUDANESES STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION IN TELANGANADRAFT CONSTITUTIONARTICLE I: INTRODUCTIONSECTION 1: PREFERENCEWe, the African students in TELANGANA (TG) in pursuance of our welfare do hereby collectively agree to form an association which shall be a non-political, non-religious and non-profit making association in order to promote mutual understanding and unity among ourselves. We hereby ordain and establish the constitution which shall be the supreme law to guide and govern the activities and affairs of the South Sudanese students association SECTION 2: DEFENSE OF THIS CONSTITUTION (1) Every member has an obligation to respect, uphold and defend this Constitution.(2) Any attempt to establish a parallel center of power otherwise than in compliance with this Constitution is deemed unlawful.

SECTION 3: DECLARATION OF SSSA- TG1. The name of the association shall be SOUTH SUDAN STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION IN TELANGANAThe territory of SSSA-TG is all regions in the state of Telangana, india.

Shall be run by South Sudanese students, and shall not be under the jurisdiction of any association or organization.

SECTION 4: OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION

1) To enhance unity in diversity amongst South Sudanese students in universities and colleges in Telangana.2) Promote the students general welfare through mutual understanding and enhance a culture of academic excellence of the students.To foster peace, unity and good conduct amongst South Sudanese students in Telangana4) To enhance capacity building to members through different seminars and workshops.5) Awarding members for extra ordinary and excellent achievements6) SSSA shall look after the general interest of South Sudanese students in Telangana, in order to make their stay and studies clam7) SSSA shall represent all South Sudanese students enrolled in Telangana?????

ASA AP ACTIVITIES

SECTION 6: MOTTOUnit, Peace,Education, and Prosperity

SECTION 7:

SECTION 8: SECTION 6: ASA- AP Logo ( pending)

The official logo for SSSA-TG shall be

SECTION 9: (1) Freshers party yearly 2) Conducting capacity building seminars annually

(3) Sports competitions and cultural activitiesConducting graduation yearly (Celebration for the graduates yearly)

Celebrating South Sudan Independence Day (July 9th) yearly

Undertake any other activity which shall be for the good of the students welfare as the leadership shall deem fit

ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIPSECTION 1. Eligibility for MembershipMembership shall be open to all South Sudanese students studying in TG

Any South Sudanese student studying in TG with valid documents shall willingly join the SSSA TG

A room may be open for honorary membership

4) Every member is entitled tothe privileges and benefits of membership, as permitted by this Constitution; and

Any document of identification issued by SSSA TG to members.

((((4) A membership card or other document referred to in clause (3) (b) may be denied, suspended or confiscated only in accordance with a majority decision of the leadership.))))

SECTION 2: Registration Every member shall be expected to pay a registration fee of Rs 50 and a monthly contribution of Rs 200 which shall be submitted to the treasurer of the association

SECTION 3: Conduct

Every member of the association is hereby challenged to attend to all calls by theexecutive committee

Every member shall behave, whether in public , in private, or in association with other persons, in a manner that avoids-a) Any conflict between personal interests and public or official duties;

(b) Compromising any public or official interest in favor of a personal interest; or (c) Unmeaning the individual offices

ARTICLE III: FINANCESSECTION 1: Sources of revenueThe sources of finances to the association shall be though not limited,Registration Fee of Rs. 50 from each member

Monthly contribution of Rs. 10 by each member

Donations from any willing member or organizations

Sale of association magazines

Entertainment programs and other events/activities

SECTION 2 1) The association shall maintain a savings account with a nationalized bank2) There shall be three (3) signatories to the account, i.e The associations president, treasurer and general secretary3) The withdrawal of funds from the Associations Bank account shall be approved by the executive committee and shall be done by the three signatories to the account. The association shall maintain an ATM card

SECTION 3: AuditThere shall be an independent audit committee appointed by the council of presidents

The audit committee shall audit the account of association thrice a year(after each 4th month)

The audit committee shall be a multi-member committee from the general public and shall not exceed five who shall include; chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary and at most two members

Their term of office shall be annually and a new audit team reconstituted

ARTICLE IV: LEADERSHIP AND INTEGRITYSECTION 1. Responsibilities of leadership(1) Authority assigned to any ASA AP official

a) Is a public trust to be exercised in a manner that (i) Is consistent with the purposes and objectives of this Constitution; (ii) Demonstrates respect for members; (iii) Brings honor to members and dignity to the office; and (iv) Promotes public confidence in the integrity of the office; and

b) Vests in the responsibility to serve the members, rather than the power to rule them

(2) The guiding principles of leadership and integrity include(a) Selection on the basis of personal integrity, competence and suitability on election in free and fair elections;(b) Objectivity and impartiality in decision making, and in ensuring that decisions are not influenced by nepotism, favoritism, other improper motives or corrupt practices;(c) Selfless service based solely on the public interest, demonstrated by (i) Honesty in the execution of public duties; and (ii) The declaration of any personal interest that may conflict with public duties; (d) Accountability to the public for decisions and actions; and (e) Discipline and commitment in service to the people.

SECTION 2: Oath of office of ASA Officials(1) Before assuming office, acting in office, or performing any functions of the ASA AP office, a person shall take the oath or affirmation of office, in the manner and form prescribed by this constitution herein.(a) OATH OR SOLEMN AFFIRMATION OF ALLEGIANCE OF THE PRESIDENT/ACTING PRESIDENT AND THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT/ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT.I, , in full realization of the high calling I assume as President/Acting President/ Deputy President/ Acting Deputy President of the African Students Association in Andhra Pradesh, do swear/solemnly affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to ASA AP; that I will obey, respect, uphold, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of ASA AP, and I will do justice to all in accordance with this constitution and that I will protect and uphold the sovereignty, integrity and dignity of the members of ASA AP. (In the case of an oath So help me God.)(b)OATH OR SOLEMN AFFIRMATION OF DUE EXECUTION OF OFFICE FOR THE OTHER EXECUTIVE LEADERS.I, ., being elected As of ASA AP, do swear/solemnly affirm that I will at all times be faithful to ASA AP; that I will obey, respect, protect, uphold and defend the Constitution of ASA AP; that I will well and truly serve the members and ASA AP and that I undertake to hold my office as , with honor and dignity; that I will be a true and faithful counselor to the executive for the good management of the affairs of ASA AP; that I will not divulge directly or indirectly such matters as shall come to my knowledge in the discharge of my duties and committed to my secrecy except as may be required for the due discharge of my duties as office holder; and that I will perform the functions of my office conscientiously and to the best of my ability. (In the case of an oath So help me God.).

(c) OATH OR SOLEMN AFFIRMATION OF MEMBER OF GENERAL ASSEMBLYI,..................................., having been nominated as a member of the General Assembly do swear (solemnly affirm) that I will bear true faith, allegiance and serve the members and ASA AP; that I will obey, respect, uphold, preserve, protect and defend this Constitution of ASA AP; and that I will faithfully and conscientiously discharge the duties of a member of the General Assembly. (So help me God).

SECTION 3: Conduct of Officials(1) (a)(2) A person who contravenes clause (1),(a) Shall be subjected to the applicable disciplinary procedure for the relevant office.(b) May, in accordance with the disciplinary procedure referred to in paragraph (a), be dismissed or otherwise removed from office.(3) A person who has been dismissed or otherwise removed from office for a contravention of the provisions specified in clause (2) is disqualified from holding any other ASA AP office.

ARTICLE V: LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE AND REPRESENTATION

The Council of President 1. Chairperson 2. Deputy Chairperson 3. Secretary to the council

The ASA AP GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The executive committee

The President

The Deputy President

Other Executive Members

Other Country Association Representatives

Members to the General Assembly

NB. A can office can be added if need arises to the executive.SECTION 1: The council of PresidentsThe council of presidents comprises all presidents of the different African countries students association. a). Qualification to membership in the council1)One qualifies to be a member of the council as long as he/she is the sitting president of his/her country association democratically elected and ceases to be a member of the council on hand over of office to another president. 2) The President and the secretary of the ASA AP executive committee shall by virtue of their leadership positions attend meetings of the council of president to enhance good linkage between the executive and by extension the general assembly and the council of presidents except when the council is vetting and undertaking elections to offices of the executive committee or of the electoral committee b). Leadership in the council of the presidentsThe members of the council of presidents shall elect/nominate one of them to fill the following positions in the council:The Chairperson to the Council

The Vice Chairperson to the Council

The Secretary to the council

Duties and responsibilities of: The chairperson of the council

Chair all council meetings and vetting processes

Schedule council meeting with the date, venue and time stated.

The Vice Chairperson

Chair meetings in the event that the Chairperson is not present or when requested by the chairperson to do so

Assist the chairperson in executing all other duties that fall on their jurisdiction

The Secretary to the council

Take minutes of all council meetings held and also during summits

Keep all records in the custody of the council

c). Duties and Responsibilities of the Council of Presidents

Recommend to the executive committee on programs that are of interest to be implemented and oversee the implementation of the same policy making and oversight role.

Check the excesses of the executive committee and ensure that the constitution is not violated.

Ensure with coordination with the electoral committee that no vacuum in the leadership of the association.

Receive and scrutinizing the documents required to be submitted by the country representatives once nominated to the general assembly to ensure compliance with requirements and qualifications

In coordination with the chair of the electoral committee, oversee the swearing in of both executive and members to the general assembly

Set the required rules and deadlines that should be in compliance with the constitution in regard to nomination of members to the electoral committee

Advertise, receive applications, interview, vet and nominate persons to the electoral committee. In the event of a vacancy in the electoral committee, the council of presidents have a prerogative to nominate a person to fill in the vacant position.

Advertise, receive applications, interview, vet and nominate persons to the audit committee. In the event a vacancy in the audit committee, the council of presidents have a prerogative to nominate a person to fill in the vacant position.

Receive application and nomination forms from candidates to the office of the President, vice president and treasurer through the chair of electoral committee, interview and vet them and elect the president, vice president and treasurer through the oversight of the electoral committee through secret ballot

Summon any member of the executive committee to respond to any issues with regard to his/her line of duty

Demand reports from the executive and general assembly anytime need arises

Handle and settle any election disputes as provided by the constitution and any other complain from any leader either in the executive committee or general assembly or from the general members of the association

Ensure that the objectives and activities of the association are undertaken with coordination with the executive and the general assembly

NB: The above said roles/duties can be undertaken by the entire council or by subcommittee set up by the councilNB: Definition of a countrys associationA country association should have a membership of at least fifteen (15) i.e fifteen students from the said country studying in Andhra Pradesh. Such an association is the one that qualifies to have membership of the president to the council of presidentsSECTION 2: The general Assembly CompositionThe general assembly shall comprise of:The executive committee

The members to the general assembly

The Executive committee

The executive committee shall comprise of the following members:The President

The Deputy President

The General Secretary

The Assistant General Secretary

The Treasurer

The Assistant Treasure

The Public Relations Officer

The Events Director

The Assistant Events Director

Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Director

SECTION 2: The members to the General AssemblyAll other country representatives forms the General Assembly membersSECTION 3: Qualification to the general assemblyThe following qualifications are the qualifications for one to be a member of the general assembly either:a). Country Representative to the General AssemblyBe a student undertaking a course of not less than a years duration

No criminal record

A person of high integrity

Hold a nomination letter duly signed and stamped by the respective association president or:

If a country doesnt have an association, collect signatures of at least half of all members from the said country to indicate their consent to you to represent them in the association

Fully registered with the immigration office and possess a valid passport and visa

Mentally sound

b). The President and Deputy PresidentShould have been in India for a period of not less than a year and preferably in Andhra Pradesh

Should be or have been in a leadership position in students association for at least six (6) months

He/she should be financially up to date

A person of high integrity

Should not have backlogs in his academics or should have cleared any backlog in his studies

Fully registered with the immigration office and possess a valid passport and visa

Command good communication and presentation skills

Mentally sound

NB: Once one has been elected to this position shall not be allowed to hold any other position especially in his country association hence shall be required to submit his resignation to the said association if he/she was holding any office

c). The TreasurerShould have been in India for a period of not less than a three (3) months and preferably

He/she should be financially up to date

Should have knowledge keeping accounts and other related financial areas

A person of high integrity accountability and transparency

Should be or have held positions dealing with finances or undertaking a course in related field

Should not have backlogs in his academics or should have cleared any backlog in his studies

Fully registered with the immigration office and possess a valid passport and visa

Command good communication and presentation skills

Mentally sound

Foot-note Any member in (b) i) above and meets the above qualifications for the office of the presidency, deputy presidency and treasure can apply to the electoral committee

Or:Any student member who has not been nominated by his/her country as a representative and meets the above qualifications for the office of the president, deputy president and treasurer can apply to the electoral committee on condition that he/she submits a duly signed and stamped recommendation letter from his/her country association president

SECTION 4: Ad-hoc committeeThe president together with the executive and members to the general assembly can form ad-hoc committee to undertake specific functions especially when undertaking events or activitiesSECTION 5: Representation Every African country with students in Andhra Pradesh is entitled to nominate ut-most two members to the general assembly to represent it with an exception of any member elected to the office of the president, deputy president or treasure who had not initially been nominated to represent his/her country.

Every African country has a right to recall any member representing it to the general assembly through at least two weeks notification letter to both the president of the association and the chairman of the council of presidents citing reasons of recall. Country association presidents are encouraged to ensure that people nominated to represent their countries have the consent of the country association members and are people who are ready to serve.

Nomination of the country representative to the general assembly shall be on annual basis and every association can either renew or nominate another member to represent them in the general assembly.

SECTION 6: Documents required to be presented by members of general assemblyThe members nominated to represent their respective countries in the general assembly shall submit Xerox copies of the following documents to the chairman of the council of presidents through their country association presidents or directly where a country does not have a president:Residential permit

Passport and visa

College ID and Bonafide

SECTION 7: The Duties and responsibilities of the executive office holders

THE PRESIDENT

The president will oversee the other members of the executive in fulfilling their responsibilities

Chair all meetings

Be a signatory to the association bank accounts

Call special meetings

And carry out the provision of the constitution

Shall generally help the treasures general managing financial matters of the association

VICE PRESIDENT

Assist the president in his/her duties

Perform any duty delegated by the president

Carries all the duties of the president in his/her absence

GENERAL SECRETARY

Be responsible for recording minutes of all meetings

Be responsible of all correspondence of the association

Custodian of all records

Be responsible of all for all documentations

Keep the database of all members

Program all appointments on behalf of the association

Keep complete records of all financial dealings of the association

Print and distribute minutes for all meetings

Be a signatory to associations bank account

VICE GENERAL SECRETARY

shall deputise the general secretary

he/she must assist the secretary in executing his orders

THE TREASURER

Handle funds and finances for the association

Keep financial records and collect dues from members

Pay bills and release funds as voted by the general assembly or the executive committee in consultation with the president

Make financial reports at least once a month at the meeting

Countersign along with the president the expenses of the association

Be responsible for maintaining a bank account on behalf of ASA AP

DEPUTY TREASURER

Shall deputise the treasurer in all matters

PUBLIC RELATION OFFICER

Act to promote relationship s with other associations through arrangements of seminars, meetings etc.

Organize the general activities that aim at promoting the presence of an association and any activities and encouraging attendance of the associations events

Work in consultation with the other various members for the various outlined duties

He/she should work hand in hand with the event director

EVENTS DIRECTOR

Be responsible for finding venues for all meetings of the association

Organize charitable donations

Organize and be responsible for various events organized by the association

Work in consultation with other officials for the various outlined association activities

DEPUTY EVENTS DIRECTOR

Helps the events the director where when planning and organizing events and other activities

He/she acts as events director in the absence of the director

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR

He/she shall oversee the creation and ensure management of a website for the association

He/she shall open and manage a face book page for the association

He/she is responsible of notifying the members about the events or any other important information by posting on the face book page or website in consultation with other stakeholders like the president, public relation officer etc.

Responsible for keeping members of the public updated on the association activities

He is responsible of updating the face book page and website

SECTION 8: Tenure of office The tenure of office bearers shall be one yearIn the event that the office of the president falls vacant the deputy president shall assume office as the president. If the office of the president and deputy president falls vacant the secretary general shall assume office as the president in acting capacity and elections shall be held within a period of not more than forty five days.SECTION 9: Removal from officeRemoval from office of the president, deputy president and the treasurer

Either of the above office bearers can be removed from office;

On the ground of gross violation of the provisions of this constitution or any other laws

Where there are serious reasons to indicate he/she has committed a crime under university, state, national or international law

For gross misconduct

Failure to undertake his/her duties

A motion of physical or mental capacity to perform the functions of the said office

Violation of articles in chapter III on integrity and leadership

2) Any member of the association or the summit who feels that any of the office bearers in (g) above have done either of the above mentioned reasons in (h) i) 1) can present his/her complaint to the council of presidents through the secretary to the council who shall either in whole or set up a committee to investigate the matter and then if in unison or with support of at least two thirds majority of the members of the council with exception of the president and general secretary of the executive committee announce the removal/impeachment/vote of no confidence with the said officer. The council can institute charges with the authorities if need be. 3) The decision of the council shall then be communicated to the said officer within a period of not more than seven (7) days through writing and copied to the office of the general secretary of the executive committee.4) The officer under investigation may be suspended by the council till the investigations being carried are over SECTION 10: Other office bearers1)Any other office bearer can be removed from his/her office if there is enough evidence to warrant the reasons mentioned in (h) i) 1) above2) any member of the public or summit can present a written complaint to the president of the executive committee and copied to the chair of the council of presidents where the president shall set up a sub committee to investigate the claims and report back within a period of not less than two weeks where the report shall be tabled to the members of the general assembly and a copy forwarded to the chair of the council. The general assembly shall then with 50% + 1 vote of members of the general assembly pass a vote of no confidence with the said officer who shall then cease to hold office immediately and a the position declared vacant by the president and a fresh elections conducted within a period of not more than two months. SECTION 11: The summit CompositionThe summit comprises of:The council of Presidents

The general assembly

a). Duties and responsibilities of the summitThe summit shall;Undertake an analysis of the progress of the association to evaluate its achievement and check areas of improvements

Receive quarterly reports from the executive committee

ARTICLE VI: ELECTION AND ELECTORAL COMMITTEE SECTION 1: Electoral committee The electoral committee shall consist of five members, a chair person, secretary, treasurer and two members, vested with the power to conduct all elections and

The electoral committee shall be autonomous and impartial

a). Qualifications to membership in electoral committeeAny person who wishes to be a member of the electoral committee should possess the following qualities:Be a student who should be independent, neutral and impartial

Registered with immigration office

Have served in an electoral body or with thorough knowledge of the process of conducting elections

Should not be holding any leadership position in ASA AP i.e is not eligible to contest for any leadership position

Any member of the public who meets the following requirements shall be free to submit his application to the chairperson of the council of presidents whenever the positions areadvertised who shall then undertake the process of vetting and nominating members to the committee.The electoral committee shall be constituted annually.b). Electoral process: - Duties and powers of the electoral committee1. Shall compile and publish the members list eligible to vote.2. Shall fix the deadlines for application and submission of application and nomination forms and the nomination fee.3. Shall publish the list of contestants within 48 hours after the deadline for submission of nomination forms.4. Shall resolve any complains pertaining to an election and give a judgment which shall be binding to the parties.5. Can nullify the nomination of any candidate who violates electoral rules.N.B 1. The nominations forms for the position of the president, deputy president and treasurer shall cost Rs 1000 and the nomination forms for the other positions shall cost Rs 500 which is non-refundable. 2. Contestants shall have 48 hours to campaign from the deadline of submission of forms.

c). Eligibility as per electoral committeeThe candidates should Submit the filled application forms specifying post(s) applying for

Submit the nomination fee stated which is non-refundable

Be fully registered with the immigration office

Be a person of high integrity

Be mentally sound

No criminal records

d). Voting and declaration of resultsThe voting process and declaration of results shall be as followsBe by secret ballot, one person per ballot

The president , deputy president and the treasurer shall be voted in by the council of presidents

All the other positions shall be voted in by the members of the general assembly

Ballot paper with official seal of the electoral committee shall be provided by the committee

Candidates are allowed to have a maximum of one agent during voting and counting

Observers are allowed during the election process

Whatever voting method is used, the system should be simple, accurate, verifiable, secure, accountable and transparent;

The votes cast are publicly counted, tabulated and the results announced promptly by the chair of the electoral committee;

Appropriate structures and mechanisms to eliminate electoral malpractice should be put in place, including the safekeeping of election materials.

The results should be posted in the different communication channels of the association by the chair of the electoral committee

e).Electoral disputesAny dispute should be notified to the electoral committee within 48 hours of announcement of results

Any candidate who is not satisfied with the outcome of the electoral results should submit his/her grievances to the chair of the electoral commission within 48 hours and if not satisfied with the commissions resolution can then submit in a written form his/her dissatisfaction to the chair of the council of presidents within 24hours after the ruling of the electoral committee

ARTICLE VII: MEETINGSSECTION 1: The council of presidents meetingsThe council shall conduct meetings at least once in two months or whenever necessary, the chairman shall call a meeting through the secretary to the council with the agenda clearly outlined

a).General assembly meetings The general assembly shall conduct meeting at-least once in a month or whenever necessary, the president shall call a meeting through the general secretary and the agenda of each meeting shall be communicated in advance

The president can through the general secretary call an executive committee meeting which should not exceed one meeting in a month unless otherwise

Meetings should have at least one week notice with special meetings having at least 2-day notice unless its a serious crisis meeting

b). The summit meetingsThe summit shall conduct its meeting at least once in three months. The president of the association in consultation with the chair of the council of the president shall agree on when to conduct the meeting.

The summit meeting shall be chaired by the president of the ASA AP

c). Semi Annual General meeting (SAGM)The president of the association and the chair of the council of presidents in consultations shall call for a Semi-Annual General Meeting (SAGM) for all members of ASA AP where:Semi-annual comprehensive report by both the president of ASA AP and the chair of the council of presidents shall be presented to members.

The treasurer shall present a comprehensive semi-annual financial report. (Income and Expenditure and The balance sheet)

Leaders shall respond to questions raised by members

Such meetings can be incorporated with other meetings like cultural shows if necessary.SECTION 1: QuorumsThe quorum for any meeting needed so as to make abiding decisions shall be half of themembership of the said meeting. a). Members conduct for meetingsMembers of different group must make it a point to attend all their respective meetings

Every member present in any meeting shall have the right to express his/her opinion during the proceedings of such meetings

Every member who shall be absent from meetings for two consecutive times shall be liable to pay a fine of Rs 100

Any member of any committee who misses three (3) consecutive meeting without apology shall be deemed to have relinquished his/her membership position to such committee and the President of the association shall take the necessary measures to communicate such information to the concerned parties.

Misconducts by any member during meeting shall attract a fine not exceeding Rs 100

Any member who shall be late by 20 minutes without notifying the chair of the said meeting shall be liable for a fine of Rs 50 immediately.

ARTICLE VIII: AMENDMENTS AND PROVISIONSECTION 1: Amendment of this constitutionAny amendment to this constitution should be passed by at least two-thirds of members at the general assembly

Once passed by the General assembly, the president shall then forward such amendments to the council of president who can adopt such amendments by two-third majority or make changes and refer it back to the general assembly who if they agree with any change made by the council of presidents then the president shall ensure such amendments are enacted but if they dont agree with the changes then a summit shall be convened within a period of not more than 21 days to iron out the amendments.

Any amendments being introduced to this constitution should be communicated to the general public so that the public can also give their input.

SECTION 2: Provisions of this constitution

a). Interpretation of this constitution This constitution shall be interpreted in a manner that Promote its purpose ,values and principles

2. Contributes to good governance

Signatures.countrySignature

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36