CHAPTER VI. POLITICAL ORGANISATIONS
Article 54. Recognition of political organisations
A multiparty system is recognised.
Political organisations fulfilling the conditions required by law may be formed and operate freely.
Duly registered political oganisations receive State grants.
An organic law determines the modalities for the establishment and functioning of political organisations, the conduct of their leaders, and the process of receiving State grants.
Article 55. Freedom to join a political organisation
Every Rwandan has a right to join a political organisation of his or her choice, or not to join any.
No Rwandan shall be subject to discrimination on grounds of membership in a given political organisation, or non-membership in a political organisation.
Article 56. Obligations of political organisations
Political organisations must always reflect the unity of Rwandans as well as equality and complementarity of men and women in the recruitment of members, in establishing their leadership organs, and in their functioning and activities.
Political organisations must abide by the Constitution and other laws. They must conform to democratic principles and not compromise national unity, territorial integrity and national security.
Article 57. Prohibitions for political organisations
Political organisations are prohibited from basing themselves on race, ethnic group, tribe, lineage, region, sex, religion or any other division which may lead to discrimination.
Article 58. Holding accountable a political organisation
The Senate holds accountable a political organisation which has grossly violated obligations provided for in Articles 10, 56 and 57 of this Constitution.
Depending on the gravity of the violation identified, the Senate may request the institution in charge of political organisations to take any of the following measures against that political organisation:
- formal warning;
- suspension of its activities for a period not exceeding two years;
- suspension of its activities for the entire parliamentary term;
- cancellation of the certificate of registration of a political organisation.
In the event that the decision is the cancellation of the certificate of registration of a political organisation, members of the Chamber of Deputies seconded by that political organisation automatically lose their parliamentary seats.
Article 59. National Consultative Forum of Political Organisations
The National Consultative Forum of Political Organisations brings together political organisations for the purposes of political dialogue, and building consensus and national cohesion.
The functioning of the National Consultative Forum of Political Organisations is provided for by the organic law determining modalities for the creation of political organisations, their functioning and the code of conduct of their leaders.
Article 60. Persons whose services are incompatible with membership in political organisations
Judges, prosecutors, soldiers, police officers and members of National Intelligence and Security Services are prohibited from being members of political organisations.
A law may determine other persons whose services are incompatible with membership in political organisations.
