Constitution

This is the English text of the Constitution of the Qabail Union of Journalists – Tribal Districts (QUJ), as printed in 2025. It sets out the aims of the union, the rights of members, the structure of the General Body, Executive Council and officers, the rules for finances and amendments, and the election regulations.

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Contents

Part One: Preamble

Our resolve is the protection of the rights and welfare of journalists from tribal districts and the promotion of positive journalism.

Before the merger of tribal areas with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, tribal districts were known as tribal agencies and were associated with the name FATA. Educated individuals in various areas had also ventured into the field of journalism and reporting. The Tribal Union of Journalists (TUJ) was organized under the name of FATA and worked actively for nearly thirty years. The TUJ was established in FATA, and gradually separate units were set up in each tribal agency. For many years, a central cabinet was formed through selection rather than elections. As time passed, the number of tribal journalists grew, and eventually, elections were introduced at the central level. Over time, differences emerged, and groupings began among journalists, leading to divisions both at the center and within the units. The differences increased, and for several years, two parallel cabinets were formed at the central level. Eventually, in 2007, journalists from the Peshawar Press Club drafted a constitution, and the election process was initiated. Despite numerous shortcomings, this organization of tribal journalists remained active in journalistic activities. However, due to internal conflicts, after some cases, this journalistic organization was declared a charitable institution by the court, and journalistic activities under TUJ ceased completely. Tribal journalists and reporters became confined to their respective areas and press clubs.

Over the past seven or eight years, tribal journalists and reporters have been trapped in various challenges and problems, and at every stage, there has been a felt need for a representative organization to address the promotion of journalism in the tribal areas and resolve the issues faced by journalists. Such an organization would also maintain contacts with governmental institutions. During this time, tribal people were freed from the chains of FCR (Frontier Crimes Regulation) and merged into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Before and after the merger with the province, tribal journalists, who could have been an effective tool, remained outside the organizational framework of journalism. We believe that during this time, they could have played a vital role and conveyed the voice of the tribal people to higher forums. However, due to the lack of an organization, this opportunity was lost.

Now, we believe that it is crucial to establish an effective organization for the rights of the people of tribal districts (formerly FATA), to raise awareness about the backwardness, deprivation, and helplessness of the tribal districts through positive reporting, and to inform national and international organizations. Effective reporting will play a significant role in reducing or eliminating poverty, unemployment, and destitution among the tribal people, and in promoting education and skills training in tribal areas.

We want to establish an organization called QUJ (Qabaail Union of Journalists) to unite journalists from tribal districts and work towards promoting democratic thinking, defending the geographical borders of the country, and ensuring the welfare of tribal people. We believe that through the platform of QUJ, positive journalism and reporting can be promoted, and constitutional and democratic solutions can be found for the problems faced by journalists.

Effective communication with government agencies will be maintained to reduce the difficulties faced by journalists. Public opinion can be influenced through journalists, promoting cooperation with national institutions. Moreover, the organization will work towards ensuring the safety of journalists and their families, as well as creating an environment conducive to the growth of the journalism profession in the tribal areas.

We hope that journalists and reporters from all tribal districts will bring honor to the country and nation through their positive activities and services. They will also play a pivotal role in attracting educated youth to journalism. We also aim for the central organization of QUJ to be formed according to democratic and constitutional principles, and to establish units in each tribal district. We will maintain professional relationships with both domestic and international journalistic organizations and, with their consultation and cooperation, will contribute towards the development of journalism responsibly.

We seek to foster professional and friendly harmony with journalistic organizations and press clubs across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the country. We also believe in maintaining effective relations with institutions that provide services for journalists and journalism. We will increase consultations with national and international journalistic organizations, eminent journalists, and institutions. Insha’Allah.

Part Two: Memorandum and Collective Agreement

Constitution and Charter of the Qabaail Union of Journalists (QUJ)

Article and Collective Memorandum

Regulation No. 1: The union shall be known as Qabaail Union of Journalists, hereafter referred to as QUJ.

Regulation No. 2: The objectives and purposes of QUJ shall be as follows:

a. To arrange professional, educational, social, organizational, sports, and cultural activities for the mental and physical development of its members.

b. To organize speeches, debates, seminars, workshops, refresher courses, lectures, discussions, and competitive exhibitions on matters of interest to journalists and important topics.

c. To establish welfare funds for the needy, disabled, and our members.

d. To affiliate QUJ with the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and to highlight the issues, problems, and needs of the tribal people through intellectual discussions, bringing attention to their aspirations.

Regulation No. 3: The funds, properties, and assets of QUJ shall be the collective ownership of its members and can be utilized for the purposes of QUJ.

Regulation No. 4: No officer or member of the executive body of QUJ shall be appointed to any salaried position within QUJ.

Regulation No. 5: If any male or female member is deprived of membership under the relevant clauses and regulations of the constitution, the member must return all debts, dues, and assets of QUJ. If they fail to do so, the central cabinet and executive body of QUJ will take appropriate measures to ensure the recovery of all debts, dues, and assets.

Regulation No. 6: The funds received and expenditures incurred by QUJ will be accurately recorded. Detailed records will be kept regarding the receipts, expenditures, property, debts, and dues. These records will be open for inspection by QUJ members under the terms of the collective agreement. The accounts of QUJ will be audited annually by a qualified auditor.

Article Two: Collective Agreement

Section A

Regulation No. 1: In this constitution, unless otherwise stated in the context and text:

“Constitution” shall mean the constitution of QUJ as provided in the memorandum, collective agreement, and schedule.

“Officer” shall refer to any one of the seven officers, namely President, Senior Vice President, Vice President, General Secretary, Joint Secretary, Finance Secretary, and Liaison Secretary/Press Secretary.

“Journalist” shall refer to the entire journalistic staff of newspapers, weeklies, electronic media, and news agencies, as well as cartoonists and press photographers employed in these institutions who are authorized as part of the journalistic staff. They are considered eligible members of QUJ if they work for regularly published newspapers and weeklies available at news stalls in any three cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, the journalistic staff of newspapers and weeklies that do not meet these criteria cannot become members of QUJ.

Section B: Members’ Rights

Regulation No. 1: Full members shall have the right to become members of the General Body or Executive Council, to contest for any position, and to vote in any meeting.

Regulation No. 2: Subject to the limitations mentioned in Regulation No. 1, and other restrictions related to this, honorary members will have all other rights and are entitled to participate in all social, cultural, and other activities and events organized by QUJ.

Regulation No. 3: Members may ask questions about the affairs of QUJ in meetings of the General Body and can submit motions with prior notice. They have the right to inspect QUJ’s accounts by giving notice to the Finance Secretary with a minimum of five fellow members.

Regulation No. 4: A member’s annual contribution to QUJ must be paid before the election process. If dues remain unpaid for three months, the member shall not have the right to participate in any General Body meeting or elections. If a member’s dues remain unpaid for three months, their name can be removed from the membership list after the General Secretary issues a notice, and if the member does not settle their dues within 14 days, their membership will be considered permanently terminated.

Regulation No. 5: If a member’s membership is terminated under the provisions of Regulation No. 4, the member’s general rights will be reinstated once all dues are paid. However, their special rights as a General Body member, as listed in Regulation Nos. 1, 2, and 3, will not be effective until two months after the dues are cleared.

Regulation No. 6: QUJ is not a profit-sharing or Zakat-distributing organization. No male or female member has the right to claim a share in the income, accumulated funds, or donations of QUJ based on their membership or termination of membership.

Part Three: Membership, General Body and Executive Council

Clause No. 111: Membership

There are two types of membership in QUJ:

  1. Full Member
  2. Honorary Member

Full Member: This includes all individuals who have been full-time members of the journalism profession throughout the year and are still members, relying on their journalistic work. However, they should not be owners, directors, or partners in any newspaper, news agency, magazine, or publication.

Honorary Member: The Executive Body can grant honorary membership to distinguished retired journalists, poets, writers, or individuals who provide continuous financial support to the organization.

Clause No. VI: Registration of Members

Regulation No. 1: Every application for membership must be written and in the format approved by the Executive Body, signed by a proposer and a seconder, both of whom must be full members.

Regulation No. 2: No individual will be considered a member until the Executive Body approves their application.

Regulation No. 3: The decision of the Executive Council regarding membership applications will be final and binding. The General Body can reject the decision with a two-thirds majority.

Regulation No. 4: Each membership application must include an entrance fee and the first installment of the membership fee, as specified in the constitution.

Regulation No. 5: A full member will pay an entrance fee of 1000 rupees and an annual fee of 300 rupees.

Regulation No. 6: Each member will be issued a membership card with a photo, and there will be a prescribed fee for the card, which the Executive Body will set. The card will be signed by the President and General Secretary of QUJ.

Clause V: General Body and Executive Body

Regulation No. 1: The highest (supreme) body of QUJ, consisting of full members, will have complete rights and powers regarding the affairs of QUJ. The elected officers and the Executive Body will use all powers during their term as representatives of the General Body.

Regulation No. 2: The Executive Body will have no more than ten members, with one member elected from each district and unit. However, units with fewer than ten members will not have representation.

Regulation No. 3: The seven officers of QUJ, including President, Senior Vice President, Vice President, General Secretary, Joint Secretary, Press Secretary, and Finance Secretary, will be members of the Executive Body by virtue of their positions.

Regulation No. 4: The term of the central cabinet, units’ cabinet, and the Executive Body will be one year.

Regulation No. 5: Annual elections will be held from December 25th to December 31st, and the new body will take effect from January 1st each year.

Regulation No. 6: A meeting of the General Body will be held at least once every year. Additionally, during the term of the cabinet, at least two meetings will be held.

Regulation No. 7: One month before the expiration of the term of the cabinet/Executive Council, a General Body meeting will be held, where the approved and audited annual accounts and reports will be presented.

Clause V-A: General Body

Regulation No. 1: The annual and by-elections of the Executive Council will be held on the dates specified in the electoral rules.

Regulation No. 2: The quorum for an annual or extraordinary meeting of the General Body will be 50% of the total number of members, representing the full membership of the General Body.

Regulation No. 3: Extraordinary meetings of the General Body will be held whenever the Executive Council deems necessary, or when a new Executive Council has taken charge.

Regulation No. 4: Members, comprising at least 40% of the General Body, can request an extraordinary meeting in writing to discuss important matters. A fourteen-day notice must be given for such a request.

Regulation No. 5: If the Executive Council resigns as a whole or if a motion of no confidence is passed, elections will be held within three weeks. During this period, the election committee can act as the interim Executive Council.

Regulation No. 6: A General Body meeting will not be considered valid unless:

a. It has been called by the General Secretary or, in their absence, the Joint Secretary with approval from the President or Senior Vice President.

b. The meeting is chaired by the President or, in their absence, the Senior Vice President.

c. A written notice and agenda are sent to all members of the General Body at least five days in advance for an extraordinary meeting and seven days for an annual meeting. This notice will also be published in at least three national newspapers. The notice can also be shared on social media.

Regulation No. 7: All voting in General Body meetings will be personal. Voting through mail or proxy will not be allowed.

Regulation No. 8: If an extraordinary meeting is not convened on time, 50% of the General Body members can call a meeting, giving notice with their signatures. A full member will preside over the meeting.

Regulation No. 9: In the event of a no-confidence motion, if the General Secretary fails to call a meeting, the election committee has the authority to convene a meeting within 20 days and seek the opinion of the General Body to safeguard the future of the organization.

Clause V-B: Executive Council

Regulation No. 1: The Executive Council will meet as needed, but at least once every two months to manage the affairs of QUJ.

Regulation No. 2: No meeting of the Executive Council will be valid unless:

a. It is convened by the General Secretary or Joint Secretary, with approval from the President or Senior Vice President.

b. A written notice and agenda are sent to all members of the Executive Council at least five days in advance. In case of an emergency, a meeting can be called with a 48-hour notice.

Regulation No. 3: If an Executive Council member fails to attend three consecutive meetings without valid reasons or fails to inform in advance, they will lose their membership. The Council can extend the absence period for up to six months in exceptional cases.

Regulation No. 4: The Executive Council will make decisions by majority vote. The President has the right to cast their vote or break a tie.

Regulation No. 5: Nine members of the Executive Council can request a meeting in writing to discuss important matters, and the General Secretary must convene the meeting within ten days after receiving the request.

Regulation No. 6: If the General Secretary fails to convene a meeting within the prescribed time, nine members can call the meeting with a notice and explanation.

Regulation No. 7: The quorum for Executive Council meetings will be nine members, including at least two officers.

Clause VI: Powers of the Executive Council

Regulation No. 1: The Executive Council has full authority over all matters related to QUJ and may make decisions to achieve its objectives, promote its interests, and manage its administrative affairs.

Regulation No. 2: The Executive Council is authorized to:

a. Raise and spend funds according to the objectives and procedures outlined in the constitution.

b. Sell or dispose of property for the benefit of QUJ, provided prior approval is obtained from the General Body for non-transferable or permanently fixed assets.

c. Enter into contractual agreements for the benefit of QUJ.

d. Take legal action against any party to protect QUJ’s financial and other interests.

e. Take legal action against any member or officer suspected of embezzling QUJ funds or causing financial harm through criminal negligence.

f. Write off uncollectible debts that have incurred excessive costs to recover.

Regulation No. 3: The Executive Council has the authority to establish rules and bylaws for the daily management of QUJ and its various departments, provided they are consistent with the constitution.

Regulation No. 4: The Executive Council can establish committees or engage in activities as needed.

Regulation No. 5: The Executive Council can invite the chairman or any other person to attend meetings for specific purposes.

Regulation No. 6: The Executive Council can review the entrance and membership fees as necessary, but changes must be approved by the General Body. Members will not be asked to pay the increased fees unless they joined after the changes.

Part Four: Powers, Officers, Finances and Amendments

Regulation No. 7: In addition to other relevant provisions of the constitution, the Executive Council may, from time to time, define duties and actions for QUJ’s officers and members.

Regulation No. 8: The Executive Council shall have full authority to make decisions regarding property.

Regulation No. 9: If any officer or member is accused of embezzlement or mismanagement of QUJ’s funds or its subsidiaries, the Executive Council will have the authority to suspend that officer or member from all duties and responsibilities for 90 days.

Regulation No. 10: Any suspended officer or member under Regulation No. 9 shall have the right to appeal to the General Body within fifteen days.

Regulation No. 11: The Executive Council has the authority to suspend a member if they willfully violate the regulations of QUJ or adopt behavior unworthy of the journalistic profession, damaging the dignity and reputation of QUJ. The member, after receiving the decision from the Executive Council, may appeal to the General Body within fifteen (15) days. However, the member will remain suspended until the final decision of the General Body.

Regulation No. 12: In the case of an appeal under Regulations (10 and 11), the Executive Council must convene a General Body meeting within three weeks of receiving the appeal.

Regulation No. 13: If an officer who is authorized to sign checks and contracts on behalf of QUJ becomes unable to do so due to resignation, disability, or absence from the province, the Executive Council will have the authority to temporarily delegate signing powers to another officer until the original officer is able to resume their duties.

Regulation No. 14: In any matter not explicitly covered by the constitution, the Executive Council will have the authority to take action in accordance with the spirit of the constitution, provided that the General Body approves it.

Regulation No. 15: If the dismissal or resignation of any officer causes a constitutional crisis or threatens to do so, the Executive Council will have the authority to appoint a temporary officer until a new officer is elected. This temporary officer will not have the authority to sign receipts, contracts, or agreements except for routine matters.

Clause VII: Powers of the Officers

Regulation No. 1: The President, as the constitutional head of QUJ, will preside over all meetings and events. All contracts and agreements will be jointly signed by the President and General Secretary on behalf of QUJ. In the absence of the President, the Senior Vice President will exercise their powers. For organizational expenses, the General Secretary or Finance Secretary will sign withdrawals from the bank account.

Regulation No. 2: The General Secretary, under the President’s direction, will convene meetings of the Executive Council and General Body and ensure the implementation of the President’s directives and the decisions of the Executive Council and General Body. The General Secretary will maintain communications with relevant departments and organizations on behalf of QUJ. They will also oversee office property and assets. The General Secretary will be entitled to sign withdrawals from the bank account jointly with the President or Finance Secretary.

Regulation No. 3: The Senior Vice President will exercise normal presidential powers in the absence of the President and will assist the President.

Regulation No. 4: The Vice President will assist both the Senior Vice President and the President and will exercise normal presidential powers in their absence.

Regulation No. 5: The Finance Secretary will maintain all financial records, including income and expenses, and prepare and present a biannual report. They will sign withdrawals from the organizational account jointly with the President or General Secretary. They will also maintain records of all financial transactions.

Regulation No. 6: When the General Secretary resigns, the Joint Secretary will automatically assume the duties and responsibilities of the General Secretary until a new General Secretary is elected. The Joint Secretary will work under the guidance of the General Secretary, maintaining the records of all meetings and the records of the Executive Council and General Body. They will also maintain records of office property and assets, working in consultation with the General Secretary.

Regulation No. 7: The Press Secretary will communicate information about all meetings, communications, and organizational news to newspapers and on social media and will maintain records.

Clause VIII: Finances

Regulation No. 1 (a): QUJ’s account will be maintained in a scheduled bank in Peshawar under the name of QUJ. The President, General Secretary, and Finance Secretary will operate this account jointly. The funds of QUJ will only be used for the objectives of QUJ as outlined in the constitution.

Regulation No. 1 (b): Fundraising campaigns will be conducted with the approval of the Executive Council. In the absence of the President and General Secretary, the Finance Secretary will issue receipts to donors, and the funds, including membership fees, donations, and contributions, will be deposited into QUJ’s account.

Regulation No. 2: All receipts related to funds received by QUJ must be signed by the President, General Secretary, or Finance Secretary.

Regulation No. 3: The Finance Secretary will keep a complete and accurate account of all receipts and expenditures of QUJ, including appropriate vouchers.

Regulation No. 4: The financial year of QUJ will run from January 1st to December 31st (one year).

Regulation No. 5: One month before the annual elections, the Executive Council will present the audited accounts of QUJ for the recently concluded financial year, conducted by a recognized auditing firm. These audited accounts will be presented to the Executive Council and General Body meetings before the elections. The auditors will be selected by the Executive Council, preferably in a meeting prior to the elections. QUJ’s accounts will remain frozen until the audit report is completed and approved by the Executive Council. However, the cabinet will be authorized to withdraw funds from QUJ’s account for necessary ongoing expenses.

Regulation No. 6: The Executive Council will periodically determine how much cash the Finance Secretary can hold for incidental expenses, and how much discretionary funds the President can retain to cover expenses as needed.

Regulation No. 7: The Executive Council or any officer will not exceed the discretionary fund limits set by the President.

Regulation No. 8: The Finance Secretary, in consultation with the General Secretary, will manage routine expenses within a reasonable limit, which have been approved by the Executive Council.

Regulation No. 9: The Executive Council can authorize the President, General Secretary, or Finance Secretary, either individually or jointly, to allocate specific amounts of money for special purposes.

Regulation No. 10: No major expenses will be incurred without the approval and instructions of the Executive Council.

Regulation No. 11: Recurring expenses such as telephone bills, rent, gas bills, and loan installments will require prior approval. In case of financial crises or deadlocks, the Executive Council will be authorized to make such payments.

Regulation No. 12: Approval for all types of expenses must be obtained from the Executive Council within 60 days. The income and expenses balance sheet of QUJ must be presented to the General Body at least 30 days before the new elections. If this is not done, disciplinary action may be taken against the President, General Secretary, and Finance Secretary by the General Body. Any officer found at fault will be declared disqualified.

Clause XI: Amendments to the Constitution

Regulation No. 1: No amendment or change shall be made to any clause or regulation of the constitution, except in the manner specified in this section.

Regulation No. 2: A proposal for amendment to the constitution shall only be presented in an extraordinary meeting of the General Body.

Regulation No. 3: A formal notice of the resolution proposing constitutional amendments will be given to the General Secretary of QUJ. This notice will be a request for calling an extraordinary General Body meeting to present the resolution.

Regulation No. 4: Upon receiving the notice of the resolution, the General Secretary will send it to the members of QUJ. The resolution will be amended if the notice is given at least fifteen (15) days before the scheduled date of the extraordinary General Body meeting.

Regulation No. 5: Any resolution related to membership (Clause 111), dissolution (Clause IX), and the constitution (Clause XI) will not be considered approved unless two-thirds of the registered members of the General Body are present and vote in favor of the resolution.

Regulation No. 6: Any resolution proposing an amendment to any clause or regulation of the constitution, other than the amendments mentioned in Regulation No. 5, will not be considered approved unless two-thirds of the members of the General Body are present and vote in favor of the resolution.

Part Five: Election Regulations

Schedule, Election Regulations

Regulation No. 1 (a): The Election Committee may also consist of members who are not from the General Body. The election of the Executive Council will be conducted under the relevant regulations of the Collective Agreement and the regulations of this section.

(b): The Chairman or any member of the committee, whether qualified or not, shall not stand for election for any position for which the election is being held. While serving on the Election Committee, they cannot propose or second any nomination.

(c): The committee will be autonomous and accountable only to the General Body. Once the committee is constituted, it cannot be dissolved until it completes its task under these regulations, except in cases where an extraordinary meeting of the General Body is called for a special resolution for this purpose, following the procedure outlined in the constitution.

(d): All nominations must be made on prescribed forms (sample nomination paper attached).

(e): Only a full member of QUJ can stand for election to any position or the Executive Council, provided they have been a full member of QUJ for the last one year, and the nomination form is submitted accordingly. The candidate must not be a government employee, and their nomination must be proposed by one full member and supported by another full member. Additionally, the candidate must not have been previously barred from contesting elections under this constitution.

Note: Government employees can become members of QUJ, but they cannot contest elections. However, they will have the right to vote and enjoy the same privileges as other members.

Regulation No. 2: Immediately after its appointment, the committee will take necessary steps to notify the General Body through notices on QUJ’s notice board and other relevant actions, establishing the following timeline:

(a): A day will be set for the submission of nomination papers, which will be advertised or communicated to every member to ensure the deadline is within three days.

(b): A day will be set for candidates to inspect their nomination papers, which will be the day after the submission deadline.

(c): A day will be set for the scrutiny of nomination papers, which will be the day after the inspection period.

(d): A day will be set for the committee to hear candidates if the committee finds any issues with their nomination papers. Candidates will be given the opportunity to explain why their nominations should not be rejected. This will be the day after the committee publishes the list of valid nominations.

(e): A day will be set for withdrawal of nominations, which should not be later than 24 hours after the publication of the final list of valid nominations.

(f): A day will be set for polling for the positions of the Executive Council. This will not be later than three days after the list of contesting candidates has been published.

Regulation No. 3 (a): For the election of any position or membership in the Executive Council, the nomination must be proposed by one full member, seconded by another full member, and supported by a third full member. The candidate must submit a written declaration stating their intention to serve QUJ in the specified role.

(b): A member may not propose, second, or support the nomination of another member for the same position, but may propose and second nominations for multiple positions as announced by the Election Committee.

(c): If a full member fills out nomination papers for more than one position or seat in the Executive Council, or for a position for which the Election Committee has declared elections, all such nominations will be invalid and will be rejected.

Regulation No. 4: Upon submission of nomination papers, the Election Committee or a designated member will issue a receipt for the papers and verify that the papers are correctly filled out, ensuring that the signatures of the candidate, proposer, and seconder are included, and any errors will be corrected.

Regulation No. 5: Once the submission period for nomination papers ends, the committee will promptly publish all the received nomination papers, including details of the candidates and their proposers and seconders.

Regulation No. 6 (a): Each candidate applying for any position will be allowed to inspect the nomination papers of other candidates competing for the same position on the day of inspection.

(b): Any candidate may submit written objections to the validity of a rival candidate’s nomination papers.

(c): After the inspection period, all objections submitted to the Election Committee will be dismissed.

Regulation No. 7: If any candidate has objected to another candidate’s nomination papers, or if the committee has raised an objection, the Election Committee will hear the explanation from the concerned candidate. After hearing from the candidates whose nominations were considered invalid, the committee will issue a written statement regarding the validity of their nominations.

Regulation No. 8: The committee will not reject any nomination paper for the following reasons:

(a): If the candidate, their proposer, or seconder is not a member of the General Body, or if the signatures of any one of them are missing on the nomination papers.

(b): If the candidate or their proposer or seconder has proposed or supported the nomination papers of another full member for the same position. However, a full member may validly propose or second nominations for other positions or seats in the General Body for which the Election Committee has declared elections.

Regulation No. 9: As soon as possible, after receiving clarifications from candidates, the Election Committee will publish the results of their scrutiny and announce the list of valid nominations.

Regulation No. 10: Nominations can be withdrawn by giving written notice to the Chairman or designated member of the Election Committee by 9 PM on the specified withdrawal date. Once the withdrawal period expires, the final list of candidates will be announced and publicized through appropriate means deemed necessary by the Election Committee.

Regulation No. 11: After the withdrawal period, if the Election Committee finds only one nomination for a position or if the number of nominations equals the number of available seats in the General Body, an announcement will be made that the candidates have been elected unopposed. A notice will be published in this regard.

Regulation No. 12: The committee will set the polling times for the election day and announce the list of contesting candidates through a notice. A copy of the notice will be posted at the election venue.

Regulation No. 13: If, for any reason, there is a disruption in the polling process that the committee cannot control, it will immediately order a re-election, specifying the new date and time for the re-election and publicizing it in an appropriate manner. A 24-hour notice will be sufficient for such re-elections.

Regulation No. 14: A full member will have as many votes as there are vacant positions in the election, whether they are officer positions or Executive Council seats. If a member chooses not to use their vote, they are free to do so. However, a member cannot vote for more than one person for the same position. Any vote cast for more than one person for the same position will be considered invalid and will be rejected.

Regulation No. 15: The ballot paper will be in the format specified by these regulations. Any vacant positions not contested will be removed from the ballot paper. (Sample ballot paper attached).

Regulation No. 16: Members will mark a check (✓) next to the name of the candidate they wish to vote for. A vote will not be invalid simply because a member votes for one candidate standing for multiple positions or seats on the Executive Council.

Regulation No. 17: Voting will be by secret ballot, and no authority, including the Executive Council, will be allowed to request disclosure of how any member voted.

Regulation No. 18: Candidates or their designated representatives may be allowed, at the discretion of the Election Committee, to be present during the vote counting process, provided that decorum is maintained. The counting will take place immediately after the polling ends.

Regulation No. 19: The results will be announced shortly after the second count and record, and will be publicized in an appropriate manner.

Regulation No. 20: Election ballot papers and other records will be retained for 90 days after the announcement of results. If any candidate has a complaint, they may appeal to the General Body for a recount, and an inspection of unused ballot papers and files. A tribunal consisting of three members of QUJ may also be formed to resolve election disputes. No appeal will be considered unless it is submitted to the General Secretary or Joint Secretary with a payment of 1500 rupees within 21 days of the election result announcement. If the appeal is rejected, the amount will be forfeited to QUJ.

Regulation No. 21: The final appeal regarding rejected nomination papers will be made to the General Body. No appeal will be considered unless it is submitted to the General Secretary or Joint Secretary with a payment of 500 rupees within 15 days of the rejection. If the appeal is rejected, the amount will be forfeited to QUJ. A tribunal of three members, as per Regulation No. 20, may be formed to consider the validity of the candidate’s nomination.

Part Six: No Confidence, Allegations and Necessities

Clause XI: No Confidence

Regulation No. 1: No confidence action against any officer can only be initiated if the President or General Secretary receives a notice signed by one-fourth of the members regarding the issue.

Regulation No. 2: After considering the notice in its emergency meeting, the Executive Council will present it to the General Body.

Regulation No. 3: The General Body will convene a meeting within fourteen (14) days of receiving the notice.

Regulation No. 4: The no-confidence motion will only be effective if two-thirds of the members vote in favor of it.

Clause XII: Allegations

Regulation No. 1: If the President/General Secretary receives a signed notice from one-fourth of the membership, allegations against officers can be initiated.

Regulation No. 2: The Executive Council will, in its emergency meeting, consider the notice and designate members to issue show-cause notices to the concerned officers. After receiving the show-cause notice, the officers will be required to respond within three days.

Regulation No. 3: After receiving the explanation of the show-cause notice, the General Secretary will, under the President’s direction, call an extraordinary General Body meeting within fourteen (14) days. The Executive Council’s decision, along with the officer’s explanation and the final charge sheet, will be presented to the General Body. The concerned officer will have the opportunity to present their defense before the final decision is made by two-thirds majority.

In the case of allegations or no-confidence against the President, the Senior Vice President will preside over all meetings of the Executive Council and General Body. When the position of President is vacated due to no-confidence or allegations, a by-election will be held to fill the seat. Until the by-election, the Senior Vice President will continue to serve as Acting President.

Clause XIII: Necessities

(a): The Executive Council, with the approval of the General Body, will establish regulations to run QUJ’s daily operations in accordance with the provisions and spirit of the constitution.

(b): The decisions of the Election Committee regarding QUJ elections will be final and binding. QUJ’s rights will be safeguarded according to the regulations established by the Executive Council.

Annexures

Ballot Paper Sample (Under Schedule, Regulation 15)

The ballot paper lists the candidates for each position, and members record their vote by marking (✓) next to a candidate. It has a separate section for each of the following:

  • President
  • Senior Vice President
  • Vice President
  • General Secretary
  • Joint Secretary
  • Finance Secretary
  • Press Secretary/Spokesperson
  • Executive Council

Note: The Unit President will be a member of the Executive Council.

Membership Form

Applicants fill in their personal, professional and contact details, sign a declaration that the details are accurate and that they will comply with the constitution and regulations of QUJ, and have their details verified by their institution (Editor or Bureau Chief).

For Use by the Membership Committee

  • All details in the membership form will be thoroughly examined, and any false information will result in action against the applicant.
  • Only applicants with at least one year of journalistic experience will be eligible for membership in QUJ.
  • Attach a copy of the national ID card and two photographs with the membership form. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • Membership will not be granted to any criminal individual, police wanted persons, or those involved in financial embezzlement.
  • Cooperation will be extended to those with a degree in journalism.

The full sample ballot paper and membership form are included in the downloadable PDF.