THE MEANING OF THE RULES
The Constitutional Chamber decides what the Constitution means when institutions disagree and identifies where authority begins and ends.
The Constitutional Chamber decides what the Constitution means when institutions disagree and identifies where authority begins and ends.
Without an independent answer, the President or Executive could interpret every doubtful rule in its own favour.
A constitutional dispute is about the lawful boundary of power, not necessarily about personal wrongdoing. A separate Chamber can settle that question without turning every disagreement into discipline.
This protects both members and officeholders by providing a defined place for an authoritative, reasoned decision.
Convention elects the Chamber in advance. It begins its five-year term two years after Convention so its cycle does not match the Disciplinary Chamber or the Executive.
Staggered terms reduce the chance that one Convention majority controls every institution at the same moment.
The Chamber considers constitutional complaints, conflicts between bodies and questions about whether a decision exceeded delegated authority. It explains the rule and its practical effect.
Its decision binds the union internally unless a court changes it.
The Chamber does not write a new political program, spend money, manage staff or replace a member vote. Interpretation cannot become government by judges.
If the Constitution needs changing, that choice returns to Convention.
Quorum is 67 percent of the full Chamber. The Executive, President and Council cannot dismiss its members or direct a result.
Only an ordinary or Extraordinary Convention may end a member’s term. A Chamber decision may be appealed in court.