HUMANIST PARTY

WAY OF WORKING

FOREWARD

The present booklets "Ideology" and "Way of Working" are not meant for the public, but for internal circulation among the most active and interested members of the Humanist Party.

The general public will rather find more appealing literature in our diffusion leaflets, newspaper, etc.

These booklets intend to compile the most relevant material on the HP produced so far.

Since different members and councils have made these contributions out of their experience and necessities, this booklet presents some deficiencies in the form of discontinuity in style, differences in depth of elaboration, etc.

Our activists will surely excuse these minor inconveniences, since they will take this material as a practical source from where to obtain clarification on main ideological and organizational matters.

In this sense, they intend to serve as handbooks from which inspiration and guidelines can be drawn for mobilization.

However, whatever is written here reflects only our present stage of development. Therefore, future revisions will certainly go on updating and improving these contents.

We strongly recommend the reading, study and discussion of these booklets either informally or formally at our meetings of ideological clarification.

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE HP

The HP was born on December 10, 1984, International Human Rights' Day. Therefore, it, a young party formed by young people who have neither previous experience in traditional politics nor popularity, fame or wealth.

From its very beginning the HP has started working at a grassroots level, building up the party organization with those who count, that is, common people who work on a voluntary basis.

There are no political or financial personalities behind us because we want to have our hands free from vested interests in order to do what we consider is good for our country in this critical situation.

Our inspiration comes from a humanist doctrine that affirms: "Nothing above the human being and no human being below another". Our five basic points give a brief, but clear, idea of our doctrine.

Immediately after its birth, the HP participated in the Vidhan Sabha (January, 1986) and Municipal (April, 1986) elections in Bombay (Maharashtra) with one and seven candidates respectively.

We did not win the seats contested but neither were we last in the results. From then onwards we carried out continuous campaigns for social and political issues, struggling against all forms of violence in a non-violent way.

There is a permanent activity of mobilizing our members for our growth and diffusion of our ideas and stands. As a result "base councils" are being formed everywhere in, as of today, 7 states of our country. Thus we conduct affiliation campaigns, sell our party newspaper "The Humanist Voice", and give leaflets, talk to people, put posters and banners, etc.

Our direction is always towards growing mobilizing and direct communication with people.

For instance, the HP has carried out national campaigns "for National Integration", "for a Law of Political Accountability", "for a Law of Political Parties" and local ones supporting the common men and women, the student and the worker in their legitimate demands and grievances. In 1985 and 1986 we have conducted our first and second yearly organizational elections. Since we truly believe in democracy, we conduct these elections in order to cover our party offices with those who work more and are more efficient.

In our party there is no discrimination whatsoever - sex, money, caste, connections or creed are irrelevant for us. Now we are engaged in a campaign for doubing our number of base councils and members.

MAIN SLOGANS / OBJECTIVES

* To humanize India

* For a strong and United India

* Nothing above the human being and no human being below another

* All India is one and for all Indians!

SOME IMMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM ACTIONS

1. To organize base (grassroot) councils of the HP everywhere.

2. To work for social and political issues, opposing violence through active non-violence, according to our resources and possibilities.

3. To run for every election that comes up, regardless of the chances of winning or the resources at hand.

4. To clarify our cadres on our humanist ideology and way of working.

5. To diffuse our image, ideas and stands to the public and organizations.

6. To obtain recognition as a state party in at least four states so as to become a recognized national party.

7. To reach power in order to start a Humanist transformation of India.

WAY OF WORKING (ACTIVITIES)

What will you do after joining a base council?

1. Mobilization			a) Of our members
					b) Of the people

2. Clarification			a) Of our members
					b) Of the people

1. MOBILIZATION

a) OF OUR MEMBERS

* To form base councils everywhere.

* To make new affiliates,

* To sell "The Humanist Voice",

* To help improve living conditions and bring relief to those in need with cooperative effort and human solidarity,

* To contact, support, organize and clarify those who suffer violence, discrimination, injustice, etc, towards a non-violent solution of their situation,

* To denounce and oppose all forms of violence (i.e. physical, communal, economic, religious and psychological) through active non-violence,

* To denounce and oppose all discriminations against people based on caste, creed, race, language, region, wealth, sex, etc.

* To denounce and oppose all monopolies (ideological, organizational, economic, etc),

* To formulate proposals for the solution of social and political problems based on our humanist ideology,

* To conduct our internal organizational elections every year drawing votes from as many affiliates as possible,

* To contest for all possible levels of general elections with as many candidates as possible irrespective of resources available,

* To diffuse our ideas and stands continuously to the mass media, political parties, other organisations and the public in general,

* To develop and strengthen our organizational and administrative capacity by improving our information, publications, fund-raising, communications, etc. (see NOTE NO. 1)

b) OF THE PEOPLE

All the above mentioned actions are always organized in such a way that well-wishers and the common citizens are mobilized. This is achieved in various ways. Supporters of our proposals or stands are requested to sign petitions, collect signatures, attend rallies, meetings or morchas, distribute leaflets,  collect donations, subscribe to orbuy our newspaper, introduce friends and family members, etc. In sum, to cooperate and assist our efforts to the best of their possibilities.

Needless to say, every time we support some people's cause, we also mobilize and organize them. Being a party that promotes active grassroots participation in social and political affairs through direct communication among people, voluntary mobilization is a must.

2) CLARIFICATION

a) OF OUR MEMBERS(see NOTE. NO. 2)

* To read and discuss "The Humanist Voice" (our monthly party organ),

* To read and discuss the contents of the present booklet "HP: Way of Working" and also of "HP: Ideology",

* To read and discuss the "Draft Programme For A Humanist Government" (only for Secretaries),

* To read, study and discuss other occassional materials like reports, circulars, contributions, etc.

* Active participation in the HP activities is the most important clarification,

* To read and discuss all newspapers and magazines,

* To read and discuss the "Political Seminar" (only for Secretaries),

b) OF THE PEOPLE

* To bring awareness of our nations and stands,

* To propose and diffuse alternatives and proposals to social and political issues based on our humanist ideology,

* To denounce all forms of violence, be they gross or subtle, explicit or covert, unleashed or potential,

* to clarify about the immediate and deeper causes of violence,

* To disseminate our diffusion material and literature.

BASE COUNCIL

General Secretary
Organizational Secretary
Political Action Secretary
Diffusion Secretary
Relations Secretary
Administration Secretary
Finance Secretary
Social Action Secretary
etc. as required.

A WELL-FORMED BASE COUNCIL (MINIMAL CONDITIONS)

- 10 Affiliates (4 Secretaries/activists)
- 30 Supporters
- 50 Copies of "The Humanist Voice" sold every month
- Meeting Place
- Internal Elections

Internal elections are conducted once a year for assigning the HP offices democratically. the HP uses the election system of single list with proportional representation. (see note No. 3)

SECRETARIATS OF THE BASE COUNCILS

A base council is strong when each and every member contributes in some way towards the fulfillment of  actions and objectives  and not when the majority remains idle while everything is carried out by a few activists.

A base council is cohesive and united when all members do the same when the need arises. But, a far better base council is that in which the most dynamic activists take up different functions called: Secretariats.

This division of functions enables the base council to organize and fulfill several actions and objectives simultaneously, instead of sequentially - when everybody does the same thing. This constitutes the essential difference between just a group and an organized, efficient team. 

Thus, the combined result of an organized team becomes far more intelligent and efficient than the undifferentiated action of a gang-type group.

A base council can start being called as such, when the following first four secretaries are appointed.

1. GENERAL SECRETARY:
Generally, the activist who starts a new base council or its most dynamic and committed member becomes the General Secretary.

His/her general function is to coordinate the other secretaries and activities, and to be the public representative of the base council.

Regularly- once a week - he/she reports to a higher council member on the activities carried out, results obtained, various developments, plans, etc.

He/she may hold informative/introductory meetings for members and new affiliates, hold interviews and press conferences, give speeches in public, clarify on ideological and organizational matters, etc.

2. ORGANIZATION SECRETARY:
This secretary is responsible for the growth of the base council and its expansion, starting new base councils oriented by the initial one.

He/she suggests and carries out plans/actions for making new affiliates, for appointing more secretaries, for reaching new places, etc.

3. MOBILIZATION SECRETARY (Also called Political Action):
He/she is in charge of planning and organizing campaigns and operations through which the HP participates actively in the political life of the neighbourhood as a force to reckon with. Through taking stands on issues, our activists are mobilized for affiliations, rallies, morchas, signatures, strikes, etc so that the base council is seen and felt at large.

The secretary has to be aware of local issues, other political forces and their stands, etc.

4.DIFFUSION SECRETARY (Also called Mass Media):
He/she is in charge of getting the HP known to and covered by the mass media, establishing regular contacts with journalists, writing and sending press releases, organizing press conferences and interviews which other secretaries may give, etc.

On the other hand, this secretary plans for wall writings, sale of our newspaper, hand-made poster sticking, banner hanging, leafleting, etc, for cresting and maintaining public awareness of the HP.

Provided the above mentioned secretariats are covered, the following may also be assigned:

5. RELATIONS SECRETARY (Also called Public Relations)
This secretariat establishes regular contacts with other political parties and any other organization of interest in the neighbourhood. the same may apply for government officers and personalities. Through its agency, information, good-willingness and joint actions may be the outcome.

6. SOCIAL ACTION SECRETARY:
Being aware of social problems and aspirations - through opinion polls, etc - this secretariat may help solve them through organizing co-operative efforts in the fields of production, consumption, services or a particular action towards solving conflicts or materializing benefits. Primarily, the secretary in charge aims at organizing and clarifying the beneficiaries themselves, that is, those concerned.

7. PUBLICATION SECRETARY:
This secretariat carries out all printings required by the base council (leaflets, posters, banners, etc). It may include the design or art work. On the other hand, it collaborates with "The Humanist Voice" in writing articles, translating, sale and subscriptions, etc.

8. ADMINISTRATION SECRETARY:
He/she prepares and circulates the minutes and reports of the base council, collecting from and distributing to all secretaries, activists and affiliates relevant information on activities carried out, news, notices, calls, etc.

9. FINANCE SECRETARY:
A secretariat which plans and implements fund-raising activities and programmes, establishes contacts with possible or actual donors, and keeps updated accounts of the base councils income and expenditure. He/she may conduct these tasks individually or along with other activists (i.e. a fund-raising operation).

10. CLARIFICATION SECRETARY:
He/she may study our ideology thoroughly, understanding its implications regarding issues to be taken, framing our stands under its light, contributing to the base council's programme adapted to local conditions, etc.

The secretary may even prepare clarification materials and organize meetings where ideological points are better explained and debated.

All the above-mentioned secretariats may count on as many joint secretaries as possible or required, and all of them have a provisional character until and unless ratified by internal elections.

The base council secretaries work as a team, each one proposing, discussing and deciding from each one's point of view given by their different functions. Every campaign or activity carried out will involve every one of them equally, but in different capacities.

While carrying out joint actions, they may simultaneously do what any plain activist (not a secretary) may be doing, or may simultaneously orient a group of activists in their action, but the secretaries always continue fulfilling their specific functions as such.

The basic task of the base councils as such, and for each activist in particular, is to carry out the programme of activities (daily, weekly, monthly, etc) given by the higher council or by the base council itself.

Ideally, every activist should get new affiliates, sell and subscribe for "The Humanist Voice", invite new people to participate in the current activities and actively support the base council needs and actions.

Any activist should be encouraged and supported for forming his/her own base council - starting with a minimum of 4 members - which will branch out from the original one.

The new base councils formed - specially those operating in places far away from higher councils - enjoy great autonomy and tactical freedom for implementing activities fitting their local conditions.

The broad framework for the activities in only given by the HP's 5 Basic points and the need to grow.

That is, any activity in agreement with 5 Basic Points and which makes the base council grow is a good one.

All the party offices asigned in new base councils have a provisional character until the HP's organizational elections which will ratify the officers (secretaries) or change them according to the electoral results.

The very first task of any newly formed base council nucleus (4 main secretaries) is to get volunteer activists to cover the other remaining secretariats.

A good task for every secretary is to get at least one assistant secretary for his/her functions. In this way, they are already preparing replacements for the present secretaries in case of rising to higher councils or when absent, etc.

General Programme for Any Weekly Base Council Meeting

1. Evaluation of previous activities and present situation. (Gathering information,analysis, interpretation, final evaluation and proposals/consequences for future actions.)

2. Preparation of next activity as per base council Action Programme. (Plan, objectives, organization, implementation, distribution of individual tasks and targets, practical work, etc.)

3. Ideological clarification (only 20 per cent of the meeting time, unless points 1 and 2 were already dealt with in a separate meeting). Any subject from the HP's official bibliography.

The Administration Secretary should always take minutes of the meeting stating in writing names of activists present, subjects discussed, resolutions taken, present numbers of affiliations made, copies of the newspaper sold, leaflets distributed, signatures collected, etc. This should be circulated among council members, present and absent, and a copy sent to the higher council member in charge of the base council.

HOW TO START BASE COUNCILS

Introduction

A base council is the smallest unit of the HP organizational scheme. That is, it is the smallest unit as regards the scope of action. This scope is basically given by the issues of the neighbourhood (or a part of it), a college or a working place. In colleges, the base councils (BCs) will compose the Humanist student unions (or lines). In working places (offices, factories, etc.), the BCs will compose the Humanist trade (or labour) unions.

Basically, the BCs are teams. Their basic aim is to diffuse the HP proposals and stands, to increase the number of affiliates, supporters and BCs, in sum, to make the HP grow more influential wherever the BCs operate.

During election times, the BCs - coordinated by higher HP councils - carry out the election campaign and, if the HP candidate wins in a particular constituency, its BCs support the HP government action with constructive work based on mobilization and propaganda.

Defined as a team, the BCs are much more than just a group of affiliates or a group of affiliates following a leader. The very efficiency, permanence and regularity of the BCs action is based on their assignment  of specific different functions to each and every one of their members. There may be permanent roles (secretariats) or occasional ones (according to the type of action). But, at any given moment, any member has a particular function to fulfill, with its defined targets and deadlines.

There are as many permanent functions as needs of the BCs, i.e. there is need for coordination of action (general Secretary), growth in terms of members and generation of new BCs (organization Secretary), presence in social and political affairs (Political Action Secretary), diffusion of stands and actions (Diffusion Secretary), internal contacts and information (Administration Secretary), fund-raising (finance Secretary), contacts with other organizations (Relations Secretary), social work (Social Affairs Secretary), permits, formalities, etc (Legal Affairs Secretary), printings, sales and subscriptions to The Humanist Voice (Publication Secretary), and so on and so forth, according to the needs of the BC.

When functions are not assigned, the BCs activity becomes inorganic. Instead of developing simultaneous activities, which will make the BCs stronger, actions are sequential (only one thing can be done at a time). This makes developments too slow. Also, the General Secretary of the BC tends to be burdened with the many tasks, resulting in inefficiency, postponements, delays, etc. The members who remain idle get bored, discouraged etc. Since they don't participate, they in organizing actions. Thus, from the very beginning people should be invited to BCs with a clear warning that has to be fulfilled: anyone joins the BCs not as passive spectators, but with a clear commitment towards taking responsibilities and actions - whatever the initial degree. The BCs are not social clubs or similar things.

Thus, unless and until a BC is formed with working functions (secretariats), its efficiency and permanence cannot be taken for granted. That is, the BC (or most of its members) may disappear at any time.

Of course, there are actions which engage all the BC members equally, like certain campaigns, operations, etc. That is, in a given moment, they may all have to distribute leaflets, get signatures or donations, sell The Humanist, etc. But, apart from this, there are permanent functions that each one develop. Anyway, even for the above mentioned campaigns, operations, etc, there are always certain specific preparations and tasks which can be distributed.

So, whoever starts a BC has to put particular care in structuring his new BC internally by distributing functions. This is as equally important as deciding which action or issue the BC will work for.

Then, a certain degree of discipline should guarantee that functions are fulfilled, targets are achieved and deadlines are met. This discipline means personal accountability, business-like working meetings with a down-to-the-point no-nonsense atmosphere. Long discussions should be avoided, in particular, those which are beside the point, inconducive and discouraging. Short times, practicality and efficiency should be the thumb rule.

A detailed programme of concrete activities to carry out in the next 1-2 weeks should never be absent or unknown to the BC. This includes targets and deadlines. Finally, the activity and issues that the BCs may take will be provided either by the higher councils or by proposals brought by their members, opinion polls, requests from neighbours, etc.

Therefore, these are the basic aspects of any successful BC: functions, style, programme and action.

Now, let's review some of the possible ways of starting a BC.

1. STARTING FROM ONE CONTACT MAN.

Somebody gets interested in the HP through our diffusion. That is, we make a person interested in the HP through a diffusion operation somewhere in the city, or through personal acquaintance while travelling together, or at the working place or at college, etc. This person always has some friends, relatives, neighbours, work companions, colleagues or other acquaintances. And this person always has a place or neighbourhood where he spends most of his daily time.

Now, since this person wants to participate in the HP activities, we are not going to ask him to do it in places which are faraway, which demand travelling outside his daily routes. Also, we are not going to ask him to diffuse the HP among people who are alien to his habitual circles. All this poses difficulties which discourage most of the would-be activists and decrease the efficiency of our actions.

We ask this person to arrange for a meeting with some of his acquaintances in the neighbourhood, college or working place where he develops his activities or lives. He does not have to be a speaker, since we are going to talk to these acquaintances. His only task is to call them for a meeting supported by his personal relationship with them and, perhaps, some leaflets we may provide him with.

At the appointed date, time and place, an informative meeting takes place. Who conducts the meeting? Neither the newcomer who gathered the people nor, perhaps, the HP member who contacted him. The meeting should be conducted by someone who can manage it. For instance, the General Secretary or the Organization Secretary of any BC who are, by virtue of their function, interested in and qualified to start new BCs. We should not entrust this introductory meeting to the newcomer since, evidently, he lacks all the necessary requirements of experience, knowledge, confidence, enthusiasm, etc. To do otherwise is a wild shot that will, perhaps, fail.

The informative or introductory meeting will have four main parts whose order may be adapted to circumstances:

a. Main ideas about the HP ideology and organization. This is according to people, but it should never be excessive. On the contrary, it should be simple brief and appealing. By ideology it is meant our main proposals tailored for the people we address. The HP organization we explain is that of the BCs (secretariats, functions, way of working, etc).

b. Opinion poll among the present regarding the main problems, needs and aspirations of the neighbourhood, college or working place. This is oriented towards identifying the issues on which the would-be BC will start working. Generally, new BCs are not supposed to discuss outside their real and immediate scope of action.

c. On the basis of a certain issue to be taken, or just without any immediate basis, everyone of those who are ready to form the BC takes - or is given - a secretariat, a function or a task to perform. Nobody should be left without something concrete to do, even if it is just an excuse that we invent for the sole purpose of participation, for involving each and every one.

d. Programme of activities. As per the abovementioned guidelines. Everybody should know what the new BC and every member will do in the next 7 to 14 days. So, these are the main things to discuss in the introductory meetings: generalities about the HP, actions the BC may take, distribution of functions and programme of activities. Of course, an appointment is made for the next BC meeting and members are invited to bring along their friends, etc.

2. STARTING WITH A CAMPAIGN.
First, we identify which is the issue that may appeal to most people of the neighbourhood, college, etc. most. Then, we devise some campaign which, if people support it, will ultimately solve some problem, provide for some need or satisfy some aspiration of those people. 

Whatever campaign we take and implementation we make, it should always foresee the active participation of the beneficiaries, the people. Because, apart from achieving some concrete result, the campaign is also a means for involving people in the activities under the banner of the HP and, ultimately, leading to the formation of a new BC.

Thus, the first step of any campaign is to search for active support from people. In the process of getting volunteers and conducting the campaign, we create opportunities for clarifying about the HP, calling the volunteers and  other people  for personal and group meetings where the results of the campaign are reported, etc. In sum, mobilizing and clarifying volunteers on an issue. In this process, functions are distributed, friendships are established, the HP image is projected, etc. Finally, as the outcome of all this, a permanent BC should be formed in order to continue dealing with the same or following issues.

This way of starting a BC may preferably be carried out by a small team of our HP members. Anyway, even one member - if he has enough initiative - may start a campaign on any issue, drawing support from volunteers.

3. STARTING WITH AN OPINION POLL.

The opinion poll may be conducted on the basis of a specific issue or just without one. A specific issue may be regarding a particular problem, need or aspiration affecting the lives of that neighbourhood, college, etc. In turn, we may ask from the people specific questions that we may formulate or just go and take notes of anything they want to express on the issue.

If we go for the opinion poll without any specific issue, we may either cover a whole spectrum of issue with pre-formulated questions or we may again go with a blank piece of paper, to take notes on everything people want to express as a need, problem, etc.

It will always be good to manifest in advance that the HP wants to work on whatever proposals or complaints people have. They will also provide the basis for asking support, for inviting them to an informative meeting, etc.

Out of all the contacts made (on the road or house-to-house), we should have a good number of people who promised to come for an informative meeting and, perhaps, some others who will help us gather opinions from their neighbours, etc.

4. STARTING WITH AN OPERATION / CAMPCIGN.

By "operation" we mean any action in a public and crowded place which attracts the attention of passers-by, and gives us the opportunity to go towards them and introduce the HP, etc. This may take the form of carrying placards and banners, distributing leaflets, gathering signatures or polling the opinion on an issue, selling The Humanist Voice, chanting slogans or making brief speeches, affiliating, etc.

This just gives us the chance to get in touch with people, make them interested in the HP or HP issue, and call them for an informative meeting that may (preferably) take place immediately. This informative meeting may also take place as soon as there are 5,6 people interested, so there are no delays.

May be a BC is not started immediately in the same place, as a result of the operation. But, certainly, it will provide many interested people who are the seeds of those BCs to be formed soon.

5. STARTING FROM ANY CONFLICTIVE ISSUE.

The mass media and public rumours provide us with plenty of news regarding conflicts, agitations, demands, scandals, etc. They take place in neighbourhoods, in institutions, colleges, in working places, etc. Generally, in those cases, some people are victims of some type of violence, discrimination, etc, and they struggle for demands, etc. Whenever we detect any of such incidents, even without being personally involved or having any acquaintance among those affected by the issue, we may approach those who are demanding something legitimate by non-violent means. We approach them in the name of a certain BC of the HP and ask them in which way can we help their cause. That is, what can we do for them.

Generally, they need things such as: propagandas for their demands and issue, financial support, legal advice, etc. Of course, since we can hardly provide these by ourselves, we will act as middlemen to get what they need. It means that we may contact newspapers on their behalf, raise donations on their behalf, contact lawyers for legal advice, paint walls, distribute leaflets, etc.

In the process, we generate sympathy for the HP, we make personal contacts, etc and we finally invite some of them (or others, i.e. they lawyer, the donors, the journalists) to form a permanent BC (or committee) to continue working for the same or similar issues (or the general situation that brings about such incidents).

6. STARTING FROM SOMETHING MORE THAN A MEETING.

This may take the form of a talk or debate on any hot/topical issue for that particular neighbourhood or college where we want to start a BC. It may also be any appealing general subject of their interest.

This is held indoors or outdoors. No need to have a large attendance. The programme may be a combination of brief introductory speeches, a debate on the issue, an exhortation towards commitment and action, raising of commitments for action, and formation (on the spot) of a new BC. The debate enables participation and initial involvement, breaking the ice between people and us. there should be a moderator who will always avoid excesses and deviations, drive points and lead towards our aims.

There should be a clear moment when words are enough and there should be an emotional appeal towards commitment and action, differentiating those who went to join us from the rest - who can quietly go back home.

Some suggestions of talks/debates are: national integration, rising communalism, law of political accountability, law of political parties, and any local issue. Once we have a place for this meeting, the convocation can be carried out half an hour before starting, distributing leaflets on the same road or nearby. It is important to distribute roles and functions (as a team) for the meeting.

The above mentioned are some suggestions that may be taken (and implemented) separately or in combination. Concrete actual implementation is left to our creativity.

HOW TO CHOOSE AN ISSUE FOR A BASE COUNCIL ACTION 
AND HOW TO CARRY IT OUT

SOME USEFUL GUIDELINES

1. The issue and its solution - if any exists immediately or is sought - should not go beyond the scope of action and possibilities of the base council concerned.

2. The issue should fail within the broad framework of the HP's Five Basic Points, and no solution should contradict them.

3. Use the points mentioned in "Ways of Working (activities) - Mobilization" as a reference for choosing issues, and conducting campaigns.

4. The issue chosen and the implementation of the action should always foresee and yield structural gains in terms of : a) diffusion of the HP ideas, stands, etc, b) integration of new affiliates; c) mobilization of each and everyone of our activists in different capacities d) sympathy and collaboration from the public; e) encouragement and strengthening of our activists.

5. The above mentioned results should be in proportion to the time, effort and resources employed. This makes a crucial difference in opting for and discarding possible issues.

6. The issue to be taken up should be in proportion to our actual capacity of facing resistances or opposition. If too great forces are to be opposed, better to take up the issue later on, when conditions are built up. The base councils should not be exposed to unnecessary or untimely risks, confrontations, etc.

7. Though some issues or stands we may adopt are right, truthful, etc., they may not sometimes be perceived as such by people at large. Therefore, instead of looking at our stands as positive and beneficial, they may consider them with indifference, incomprehension or hostility. We should keep in mind that what may be right or good for us may prove not to be seen as such by others.

In this sense, we always keep leading people's aspirations with proposals which are not too advanced for their perception, background, etc. In the measure that conditions change, or that we change the conditions, we move one step more forward in our proposals.

8. The action taken regarding the issue may be directed towards just creating public awareness or towards both awareness and solution. The means of achieving them vary according to the inventive, resources, possibilities, etc, of the base council. However, let us consider an incomplete list of suggestions.

Leafleting - poster sticking - well writing - signature gathering - press releases - press conferences - debates - public speeches - rallies - morchas - joint actions with concerned groups or individuals - advertisements paid with donations - house-to-house visits - opinion polls (with pre-set questions or open) - informative meetings - demonstrations in crowded places - letters to the editors of newspapers and magazines - petition/complaining letters to officers, personalities, etc. - law suits - denunciation to authorities concerned - joint peaceful resistance - non-cooperation - strikes - etc.

PARTICIPATION

The participation in the HP is open to everybody without any discriminationwhat-so-ever. While other political parties declarethe same, in practice they maintain a tacit or concealed discrimination. Still others, avowedly or not, are the bulwark of mean and parochial interests, i.e. of caste, class, creed, region, subrace, etc, while posing as all-embracing parties.

Who can deny - with foundation - that their's is a party where no consideration of caste, sex, creed, class, wealth, connections, etc, interfere with affiliations, promotions, assignments and candidacies?

THE HUMANIST ACTIVIST

An affiliate adheres to the Party programme; but an activist besides commiting himself or herself to the objectives, develops a method of political action and a political conduct based on active non-violence.

An activist is revolutionary because he works for achieving the objectives of economic and social equality, using a method of political struggle: the method of active non-violence which is exercise through denunciations, through non-cooperation with injustice and through civil disobedience.

An activist fulfills this model of conduct:

1. Participates in the organization and development of the Party.

2. Discusses the problems to be solved.

3. Carries out what is resolved without postponement.

4. Improves upon his previous actions.

5. Works in team.

6. Takes the function that the Party assigns him.

7. Does not promise what he cannot fulfill.

8. Does not respond to provocations with violence.

9. Only retreats in order to come back with more force.

10. Leads every discussion towards precise ends:

a. to clarify the problem,

b. to propose solutions and 

c. to mobilize for a concrete action.

Because of the above, that is, because of his objective, his method and his conduct, an activist of the Humanist Party is different from any other activist.

The Humanist Party is something more than a party and the Humanist activist is something more than an ordinary activist.

HUMANIST STUDENT LINES AND HUMANIST TRADE UNIONS

The Humanist Party aims at extending its influence to all fields. Hence it strongly encourages the formation of Humanist Student Lines (HSL) and Humanist Trade Unions (HTU), in order to carry the Humanist ideology - applied particularly - to the students and workers.

The HP provides - if required - the initial inspiration, impulse and direction to the HSL and the HIV. Afterwards, these organizations will conduct their own particular affairs with autonomy, aiming at influencing their study and work places through clarification and mobilization, and contesting any elections for representative bodies.

Organizationally, both HSL and HTU work for ultimately developing nation-wide bodies.

HP NATIONAL CONGRESS

National Congresses of the HP will start taking place yearly as soon as the development of the Party calls for them.

Their interest lies in establishing bonds among party activists and office bearers, unifying criteria, passing resolutions, approving a definitive Programme, exchanging information, etc. In sum, to contribute towards the cohesion, participation and truly national character of the Humanist Party.

DISCIPLINARY BOARD

Disciplinary boards are appointed in order to inquire into and dictate penalties, if applicable, whenever alleged cases of indiscipline are brought to the notice of any level of council.

These cases comprise, in general, any action or inaction of a party affiliate which deteriorates, actually or potentially, the Party's good name, image, credibility, internal cohesion, etc. Also, any intentional boycott of its strategy, policies, ideology and concerted actions. That is, whatever causes a breach in the necessary esprit de corps (team spirit).

For instance, to propagate ideologies alien to ours among members, to misuse the party name and funds, to defect to or support other parties while holding a party office or candidature, to resort to violent methods, to black information to members or to block their personal contact with higher party officers, to be convicted for crimes, etc.

In cases like the above mentioned, the corresponding party councils - according to the scope of the offense - will appoint, either from among themselves or from reliable party activists, a disciplinary board in order to conduct inquiries, produce a report and pass a resolution to be approved by the council concerned.

Penalties may vary according to the gravity of the case. They may consist of an official warning including actions to rectify or remedy the damage, caused, temporary withdrawal of party membership, removal from party office and incapacity to take another - temporarily or permanently- or, ultimately, definitive expulsion from the Party with official public announcement.

FUNDS

The H.P. raises its funds through donations and contributions from members and supporters. Donations are accepted provided our ideology and stands are not compromised. Therefore, for instance, the HP does not accept donations from a single source with which it may be unduly identified or which may try to blackmail the party.

The  HP aims at drawing increasing support from the small, medium and big national enterprises, affected by government policies and threatened by multinational corporations. Funds from monopolies and foreign sources are ruled out.

However, basically, the day-to-day expenditure of the HP is covered by the voluntary contributions which the activists spend from their own pockets and raise from selling "The Humanist Voice", from affiliation contributions, from those they mobilize for campaigns, etc.

Finally, the HP keeps no funds for future use. Funds are raised and spent according to activities planned and carried out without delay.

No party member earns his/her living from party funds.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
FUNDS                    ORIGIN                        USE
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Big Amounts		Big National			Election Campaigns
			Companies			(Occasional)
Medium Amounts   Medium National		Election Campaigns
			Companies			(Occasional)
Small Amounts	Small National		Daily Action of Base
			Companies, Shops,		Councils
			Members and supporters
			Sale of "The Humanist
			Voice" 
			Affiliation Contributions
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INTERNAL ELECTIONS

Once a year the internal elections of the HP are conducted at all levels of the organization in order to elect the secretaries for all councils.

Every council (i.e. National, State, District, Etc) prepare a single list of candidates for the secretariats to be covered.

The number and function of the secretariats vary according to the necessities, and they are redefined for every election. However, four secretariats are essential, namely, General, Organization, Political Action (Mobilization) and Diffusion (Mass Media).

Candidates are nominated by and from the different party lines, by consensus within each line, through their respective line orientors. Candidates nominated are the best party workers measured by the number of the base councils organized and  oriented by them. Also considered are the number of affiliations made, number of activists mobilized for different activities, contribution in terms of copies of our newspaper sold or subscribed, fund-raising carried out, diffusion made, etc. A clear understanding of our ideology is also a plus point, as well as special assignments fulfilled which, inspite of not producing immediate gain in terms of growth or diffusion are nevertheless crucial to the party's development (i.e. expansion to new cities and states, organization of Humanist Trade Unions and Student Centres, etc).

A minimal time of participation in the HP is a must so as to guarantee enough comprehension and experience of our ideology and ways of working qualifications also very according to the level of election (Council level). All  party lines can  nominate as  many candidates as 
they  want  based  on the  assumption they  make  about  the share  of  secretariats they will win in the elections. This  may be  established in every party line according to past performance and present strength. 
Thus, the single list of candidates is composed by the indifferentiated list of candidates advanced by every party line accompanied by  parallel list  of secretariats  to be contested and assigned.

Every party line and candidate knows beforehand which secretariat/s they would like to take, but this is precisely what the election results will decide.

So, every party line, every council prepares the electoral rolls of their affiliates - supervised as per regulations - who will be the only registered voters. This preparation has a deadline. Afterwards, the days previous to the election date are dedicated only to canvassing for votes in various ways.

Also, electoral  circuits and poling booths are determined, polling agents and supervisors are appointed, ballot cards and electoral rolls printed, polling boxes made, identification documents and all other materials prepared.

The polling and counting procedures also follow set regulations controlled by the electoral committees appointed.

At the election date and time, the affiliates will come to the polling booth and cast their  ballot card in support of the single list of candidates. (See Note No. 3)

Since every affiliate was contacted and mobilized by a particular party line and base council (as per electoral rolls), it is easy to determine the number of votes that each activist, base council or party line got. These are the results of the elections.

The electoral committees - with the results in their hands - meet and proceed to the distribution of secretariats to the candidates. This is done through a simple mathematical formula for distribution (called "O'Hant"), whereby the number of secretariats and order of choice is fairly established for every party line and candidate.

The total number of votes that each line obtained in the elections is divided successively by 1, by 2, by 3, etc, up to the number of secretariats contested. Then, there arise a series of members for every line. These numbers (corresponding to different lines) are ordered in decreasing order. Therefore the line with the first biggest figure chooses a secretariat first, the line with the second biggest figure chooses a secretariat next, and so on.

At the same time that secretariats are choosen, the names of the candidates to cover them are given.

Even though the order of choice gives every line an inalienable right to choose the secretariat it wishes and, from among its candidates, the one it wishes, there is always room for accommodations, exchanges and substitutions based on common agreements for the common benefit.

Finally, every secretariat will be covered reflecting in the constitution of the new council a proportional representation of each line's comparative strength.

OUR PARTY NEWSPAPER

"The Humanist Voice" fulfills the following objectives:

a) It provides official clarification  on our  party's ideology  and stands on issues of interest, both for ouraffiliatesandthe  public in general.

b) As such, "The Humanist Voice" may serve as official literature for our meetings of ideological clarification.

c) It is also a means of diffusion and presence of the HP through the sale and subscription, as well as a display of strong activism whenever sold in public places.

d) It is a means of participation for our activists, not only as mentioned above, but also through their contribution in the form of articles written, graphic material  produced, art work, printing, translations, etc.

e) It is a means of contact, among our members through the information and news published on our activities in different base councils, as well as reminders, notices, and proposals from higher councils.

f) By selling it at a contribution price, the newspaper also serves as an economic resource for fund-raising.

For furthering the above mentioned objectives, the HP aims at decentralizing the preparation, printing and distribution of "The Humanist Voice" as much as required for its diffusion in regional languages.
Our members are most welcome to write articles in their mother-tongues and contribute in any other possible way to the regional editions of "The Humanist Voice".

The only framework to be used for editing will be the agreement with the HP's ideology and strategy.

Some useful guidelines for writing articles:

a) Keep in mind the Five Basic Points as a framework for selecting and writing your article.

b) A rather complete account of a news item, report, issue, etc, can be rendered if the following seven points are taken as leads for elaboration: what - why (when) - what for (wither) - who - where - how.

c) Expound your subject clearly and concisely.

d) Analyse it under the light of our ideology, that is, state the HP's stand on it.

e) Draw relevant consequences of your analysis.

f) Besides well-founded criticisms, offer proposals for action or solutions.

g) Give some striking examples, figures, comparisons, etc, so as to illustrate and enhance your presentation.

h) Always quote your sources of information.

APPENDIX

SOME MAJOR CAMPAIGNS

* * FOR NATIONAL INTEGRATION

Under the slogan "ALL INDIA IS ONE AND FOR ALL INDIANS", this campaign was launched in September, 1985 (see "The Humanist", Nov.1985 issue), and still goes on  - among other activities - as a driving goal.

For the HP, national integration is more than just passively tolerating our diversity without discrimination, National integration must be achieved through persistent and whole-hearted efforts towards increasing communication and cooperation among our communities.

In order to achieve this, the different communities should stop looking back into the past - like bitter and wailing old widows - and look forward into the future, for a mutually cooperative society where human beings and citizens are regarded as such above all other considerations.

Thus, we encourage everybody - especially our activists - to think, feel and act first and above all as human beings and Indians.

Cynics, fanatics, pessimistic, communalist and violent people have no moral stand to deny the above mentioned since they themselves, and their vested interests, are responsible for today's critical situation.

Primarily, the HP aims at clarifying and mobilizing the youth against communalism and for national integration so as to produce a historical break in the chain of resentment, hatred, fear, mistrust and discrimination with which elders poison the new generations.

Some suggestions:

* If your leaders - either politicians, swamis, priests,  mullahs, mahants  or  elders -  preach to you  communal division, disown  them without fear  and  with  pride, as  immoral  and  unworthy of being followed.

* Make it a point to know, understand, consider and relate to people of other communities, their customs, their problems, their beliefs, etc. Place yourself in their position.

* Consider and treat others according to their quality as human beings, their capacity, their character, etc  instead of going mechanically by communal considerations.

* Raise your choice and work actively for any organization or cause promoting inter-communal harmony and reconciliation.

* * FOR A LAW OF POLITICAL ACCOUNTABILITY

Professional politicians defraud the public trust by not fulfilling their electoral promises.

The lack of a law to penalize this crime enables any adventurer or crook to reach government positions. In order to avoid this political merry-go-round, the HP proposes the immediate passing of a NATIONAL LAW OF POLITICAL ACCOUNTABILITY (WITH THE PROVISION TO ADVANCE ELECTIONS IF REQUIRED).

If you buy a new colour TV set and, when you switch it on, you discover that it only works in black and white, what do you do? You demand an immediate replacement, refund, etc. Don't You?

Well, if you voted for a politician because he promised something during the election campaign and, afterwards, he does just the opposite, what do you do? Until now, it is very little what you can do if the politician and his party betray you in such a way.

When the traditional politicians discuss about the advantages of democracy over dictatorship, their favourite argument is that the citizens can change the authorities if they prove to be inefficient or fraudulent.

But, during five years of government, much is the harm that a lying politician can produce....

Among others, one of the most serious damages is that people start losing faith in democracy as a system.

So, things like this can be heard: "Look, don't tell me anything about politics. This one is politician promised that he was going to fix things up, and he has not done anything. And so have all the others been. I don't want anything to do with political parties. Nobody can change this corruption. Politics is a dirty affair!"

When a big percentage of the population feels betrayed and expresses it in similar ways, we are facing a dangerous situation.

People shy away from political participation and create a void to be filled by all sorts of bunglers, adventurers, crooks, antisocial elements, etc. This lack of active participation in politics serves nobody, except the vested interests of a few.

That is, turning the face away from the problem does not solve it or avert the consequences, but, in fact, the problem gets aggravated.

Besides, it may encourage some prehistoric brains to cherish hopes for some kind of dictatorship (either military or civilian), upon the apparent "failure" of the democratic system.

The democratic system is not, of course, without some deficiencies. Some of them are not to be found in the system itself, but in the society where it is applied. But, democracy can - and must - be perfected, and the channels for this are already there.

"THE PROFESSIONALS" AND POLITICS AS A BUSINESS

But, why does a political party and its candidates promise things that later they do not fulfill?

Is it due to incapacity? deception? miscalculation? corruption? vested interests? It may be a combination of all these factors.

What is certain is that traditional politics such as we know it, is the business of professional politicians meant for grabbing power.

For them, politics is a career and their parties are organized like companies. they are the managers, who occupy top positions. The youth is the manual labour for pasting posters, painting walls and for full-hearted militancy.

And the citizens? We, the citizens, are the customers. And what do we - the customers - want?  To improve the conditions in which  we live, to progress and grow as individuals and as a social group.

Then, the professional politicians base their election campaigns on what people legitimately aspire for. "We are going to clean the administration", tells one, "We will eradicate poverty", offers another. Others (or the same ones) also promise what some people illegitimately aspire for. "We will kick all the outsiders out", shouts one. "We will establish our supremacy", screams another.

None of them tell exactly how they will achieve what they promise. Nor when. Then, afterwards, the candidate who wins manages things as it pleases him. And, if somebody complains - as it would be in the case of the TV set - the replies are of this type: "There are unforseen complications", or, "I am all too willing, but the opposition is strong (or the cooperation is too weak)", or, "There are other presing priorities to tackle first", or. "We are looking into that matter", etc. this becomes almost boring, unless you receive a lathi-charge instead of apologies...
So, slowly, the feeling of having been cheated by a vulgar market charlatan creeps within us... then comes indifference... the discredit of a system of a government... and society falls into the clutches of corrupt people.

In sum: those who attempt against democracy and the country are the politicians who betray the popular trust and the political parties they belong to which do not take any action against them.

A FRAUD AGAINST THE PEOPLE

All the previous has a solution. It is to provide the citizens with an instrument to get the politician who defrauded them removed from his post.

That is, a LAW OF POLITICAL ACCOUNTABILITY by which all the political parties and its candidates have to submit a government programme. This will clearly state - like a contract - the government measures and actions they will take, the estimated date of fulfilment, and the alternative course of action they will take in case something fails, or if natural catastrophes or social commotions delay the application of the plans.

Then, the election campaign will have to comply with this government programme. In case of winning the elections and not fulfilling his electoral commitments, the politician will be submitted to a political trial for the alleged crime of " fraud of the popular trust".

This political trial for MPs, MLAs and Municipal Councillors may proceed upon the request of the concerned houses or the general public of their constituencies.

For the ministers of the Central and State government including the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers also, a similar procedure may be followed based on the request from the people of the whole country or the particular state.

The percentage of public support, the process and the machinery required to carry out these political trials can be worked out by consensus by all the parties.

Meanwhile a public debate and suggestions from the people can also be obtained. Some possibilities are signature campaigns to obtain the necessary public support, a standing body or commission which constantly obtains public feedback on major issues, etc.

The politicians submitted to trial will not be allowed to put forward, as a defense, any apology or justification which was not foreseen in the electoral government programme. And the authorities in charge of the trial will only confine themselves to compare the electoral promises with the concrete facts of government.

THE POLITICAL TRIAL
The political trial is to be brought to the appropriate Judicial Authority and it is to be carried out by a bench of not less than three judges.

In the event of the representative being adjusted guilty under the act, his seat (office) shall fall vacant with immediate effect and all the officers appointed by him shall cease to hold office.

Besides, he should be banned from running for any election or holding a public office during the next two government periods.

However, he shall have an option to obtain a referendum, so that the population of the constituency concerned confirms or vetoes the judgement. If required, the by-election shall be conducted within 60 days at the latest. In the meantime, the concerned offices shall be run as per the provisions of existing laws.

Of course, all this is apart from-and does not supersede- other criminal cases which may be filed against the politician concerned.

As it becomes clear, democracy can be improved. It is all a matter of demanding some more responsibility. Because, can you imagine how little the traditional politicians would talk during their election campaigns, if the non-fulfillment of what they promise were made a crime?

Well, if no politician wants to support this draft of a law now, the LAW OF POLITICAL ACCOUNTABILITYwill be proposed and passed by the HP when it is in power.
Of course, things would have been much easier if the traditional parties refrained from fielding corrupt politicians as candidates, if they were the first to demand their resignation when they do not meet the standards of efficiency and ethics befitting their posts, etc... But, with the present conditions, this seems to be too much of an ethical stature for them, isn't it?

Anyway, wouldn't it be comforting to listen to something like this, when the opportunity arises? : "Mr So and So, you were voted by the majority of the people for carrying out a government programme. This Honorable Court has found you guilty of the crime of defrauding the people's trust due to your non-fulfilment of your electoral promises.
Thereby, we, the Honorable Court removes you, and the officers you appointed from offices you held so far."

                              BESIDES...

This political accountability we propose may also go beyond the unfulfilled electoral promises. The accountability should also be applied systematically to any government action or inaction that constitutes a fraud/crime because:

* it transgresses law (national, state or municipal),

* it transgresses municipal regulations or procedures,

* it does not discharge the stated duties due to leniency, connivance or complicity.

This accountability should not only last while the politician is in office but it should also extend beyond that period.

Besides, those directly affected by any misdeed may claim compensation, either from  the government, the government officer personally or from the political party he belongs to. Also, any person or legal entity benefitted by the misdeed will have to return anything unduly acquired, and compensate the party damaged if there was knowledgeable complicity or connivance.

In this way, nobody will take or give what is not right, and both the encourager and the encouraged will be discouraged.

                              FINALLY...

The HP is carrying out a nation-wide campaign to draw support from honest and sincere politicians, political parties, lawyers, public institutions and the common people, who are those suffering the consequences of political violence.

At the same time - since the popular feeling regarding our proposal is evident we publicly make a call to any politician, from any political party, to take up the challenge and carry this draft of a law to Parliament to be debated and, ultimately, passed as a National Law applicable to all government levels.

If it is passed, it will be for the benefit of democracy and the whole country. It will clean the administration and renew politics, setting an unprecedented example in the world.

Who will oppose this law and what are the arguments they will use? And who will remain silent?... It will be for all the people to see and judge.

Anyway, if the LAW OF POLITICAL ACCOUNTABILITY is not passed, the Humanists will reach the government and pass it, making it immediately applicable to all the political parties and the HP as well.

* *FOR A LAW OF POLITICAL PARTIES

Our's is a parliamentary democracy. That is, a system by which representatives of the people are elected for ruling the country. In most of the cases, if not all, these representative come from organizations (in the best of cases) which are known as "political parties".

Thus, ultimately, political parties are those which rule our country. That is, they decide how much are we going to earn, how much taxes we have to pay, how children have to be educated, what can we buy, what can we manufacture, and so on and so forth. They decide for our do's and our dont's. In fact, no matter how free we may feel to build our individual lives, the political parties decide the limits, the framework, etc, of our existence.

Now, who or what decides the limits, framework, do's and don'ts of the political parties? What is the extent of their accountability in terms of funds, internal democracy or membership records?

Everybody knows that such accountability is almost nil, if not non-existent. Thus, for instance, a party whose handling of "black money" is obscure - to be benign - can later on, from power, put in doubt the honesty of businessmen, conduct raids and demand honesty without having the moral stand in this respect.

In many countries of the world, the law provides a clear framework for the political parties. Law regulates in detail its formation and way of working, making them legally accountable in such terms  as handling of funds, internal democracy, keeping of membership records, and many more aspects.

If political parties in power are going to make people accountable to them, it is fair - to say the least - that they themselves are accountable before the country and its Law.

By October, 1985, the HP introduced the proposal for a Law of Political Accountability. This was referred to the politicians, as individuals, who do not fulfill their electoral promises when they assume power. This is a revolutionary proposal whose potential for healing democracy has not been taken into account by the "intelligentsia". However, those who matter - the people - have given it a heart-warming response.

Now, we are extending the concept of accountability to the very organizations that breed irresponsible politicians: unaccountable political parties.

That is, political parties have all the rights but not the duties. This is one of the main reasons why their politicians are used to corruption, privilege, and what not. The children evidence the families they were brought up in. So, the main bodies who run our lives and the destiny of the country should be, themselves, a model of the virtues they expect from the country. Otherwise, hypocrisy and double standards will continue being the hallmark of politics. Socialism will continue being a dream to sell to the masses at their own heavy expanse, which the politicians charge to our account every day.

Therefore, The Humanist Party launches another proposals: to pass a National Law of Political Parties. This Law would regulate their formation and ways of working, making them accountable as any other organization. Because, on what basis do they enjoy the privilege of being the least accountable of all types of organizations when, at the same time, they have the most power and influence?

In different ways, but in equal degree, private companies, charitable trusts, cooperatives, government divisions, etc, are all accountable. If, ultimately, political parties have more power then all of them, why don't they have the same degree of accountability? Absolute power - without accountability - corrupts absolutely. Imagine the police without accountability, or the Army...

The Humanist Party puts forward the proposal of a National Law of Political Parties, by which at least the following three main aspects should be made clearly accountable: handling of funds, internal democracy and membership records.

Handling of funds covers accountability of their sources and use. Where is their money coming from? How is it used? Is it all within our national interests? We, the people, the voters, demand clarity on this. Their funds should be properly accounted and audited by reliable and independent authorities.

Internal democracy means that the party authorities should be elected by the vote of all the affiliates. This will prevent "appointments" due to money, connections and other spurious factors that betray the common affiliate and voter.

Party authorities should not be imposed from "above" through lobbies which accommodate unconfessed vested interests. How can there be party discipline when leaders do not reflect the rank and file of the party? Political parties should be nobody's zamindari.

Accountability regarding membership records means that proper affiliates rolls should be maintained. This is a must for internal democracy. A central bonafide authority should prevent double or triple affiliation. Thus, every membership file should be submitted for checking and approval. In this way, the actual membership strength will be easily verified, avoiding baseless claims. Consequently, whenever an affiliate wants to join another party, he will have to submit a resignation to his previous party.

So, whenever he fills the membership application form of any party, he will sign a declaration where he states that he does not belong to any party.

These are some of the main points this proposal for a Law of Political Parties should cover. It is a unique proposal that will probably be opposed by all vested interests. It is highly suspicious that, so far, no other political party than The Humanist Party has put forward such proposal ( as well as the Law of Political Accountability).

This proposal will certainly contribute to eradicate corrupt practices that undermine our democracy and, therefore, our nation. Once and for all, we the common people - sufferers of all injustices - should corner and expose those who just pay democracy a lip service, while they profit at our expense.

We invite the activists of other political parties and organizations to join us in pressurising the power elites with this demand.

NOTES

NOTE NO. 1    ORGANIZATIONAL EXPANSION

Expansion is one of the permanent features of our way of working. Therefore, we aim at completing the organizational scheme (shown on page 10) in all the states, union territories, districts, tehsils and taluks of our country. That is, to form base councils in every city, town and village.

We want to be present as a force to reckon with in all electoral circuits and constituencies to be contested in elections at different levels.

NOTE NO. 2 PERSONAL CLARIFICATION

Clarifications on personal violence and how to eradicate it from our life can be given at the request of those interested. This programme of personal development is offered by The Movement, which is the source of inspiration of the HP. Since it cares for the transformation of the individual (at the same time that society is transformed) we say that the HP is something more than a party.

NOTE NO. 3 ON THE SINGLE LIST SYSTEM (WITH PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION)

The single list election system (as different from that with several lists) is chosen for the sake of providing the conditions for unity and consensus within the HP.

Regardless of differences in tactics and styles of working, the ideology and strategy of the party is the same for everybody and every party organizational line.

Therefore, all differences should contribute towards enriching and enlarging the organism, instead of causing divisions and breakways. This, precisely, is safeguarded by the single list election system.

Thus, the normal and sportive competitiveness - which is to be encouraged - gets confined within positive boundaries.

Competition, in this case, gets channelled towards drawing more votes for each one's line, thus getting more proportional representation and decision power in the various levels of councils of the party, i.e. more secretaries of one's own line in a given council.

Outwardly, the HP appears as monolithic in front of the mass-media and the public. This is important since it gives the right image of what we are and what we wants cohesion with plurality, unity in the main things, strength through common action, etc.

This is what we want to reflect and be, because this is what people need and are searching for, as opposed to the traditional parties, politics and politicians (divided, petty, confrontative, weak, etc.)

With this election system of single list, the affiliate votes, on the one hand, for the activist and the party organizational line which affiliated him/her and with which he/she remains in touch through regular contacts.

The more votes that activist and his/her line draws for the internal elections, the more of their own candidates they will be able to place as secretaries in the party organization. This, in turn, will give them proportionally more representation and decision power as compared to other activists and party lines within the party councils they contest for.

On the other hand, the voter (affiliate) is ratifying with his/her vote his/her support to the HP, its conduction, performance, ideology, etc.

So, as compared to the election system of several lists, in our system nobody (or no list) competes against another (i.e. to the harm of another), but, for their own growth and the development of the whole party.

Besides, nobody is left out of the decision - making process, but always get a share in it according to concrete performance.

HP CITY COUNCIL

SECRETARIATS		CANDIDATES
				(Alphabetical Order)

GENERAL			AKABARALI S		MOHAN KUMAR 
ORGANIZATION		ANIL KAUSHAL		MOHINDDIN M
POLITICAL ACTION		ASHOK PRASAD		REDDY T.
DIFFUSION			BEENA M			SHINDE M N
RELATIONS			BHOSLE A M			THAKUR D
SOCIAL ACTION		CHANDRAN L D		VORA F
FINANCE			KAVITHA L			ZUHAIR M M
ADMINISTRATION		KHOSLA P

DIVIDE VOTES GOT BY :
PARTY LINE	
VOTES GOT	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	
LINE A		1236	1236	618	412	309	247	20	
LINE B		842	842	421	280	67	210	168	
LINE C		266	266	133	88	67	66	53	

ORDER OF CHOICE

1st - LINE A        5th - LINE A             LINE A = 4 Secr.

2nd - LINE B        6th - LINE A             LINE B = 3 Secr.

3rd - LINE A        7th - LINE B             LINE C = 1 Secr.

4th - LINE B        8th - LINE C

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Published and printed by Humanist Party, India.