Practical Info

Constitutional Provisions

Introduction

This document details the constitutional provisions that govern PSI Regional Conferences including the calculation of delegation.

Delegation Entitlements

Delegates
According to the PSI Constitution (Article 6:paragraphs 6 & 7), affiliated organisations, which have fulfilled their obligations in accordance with Article 4 “Affiliation Fees”, shall be entitled to representation at Congress in accordance with their averaged paid-up membership over the years since the previous Congress, including the current Congress year, or since their affiliation to PSI.

“Affiliates’ representation is based on the following schedule:

1 delegate up to 5,000 members
2 delegates from 5,001 to 10,000 averaged paid up members 
3 delegates from 10,001 to 20,000 averaged paid up members
4 delegates from 20,001 to 35,000 averaged paid up members
5 delegates from 35,001 to 50,000 averaged paid up members
6 delegates from 50,001 to 100,000 averaged paid up members
plus, one delegate for each additional 50,000 paid-up members and/or part thereof.

Gender Composition of delegations
As per Article 1.18, where there is more than one delegate, women shall comprise at least 50% of delegations, unless this is not feasible due to very significant over-representation of one gender within the affiliate’s membership.”

Observers
According to PSI Constitution (Annex 3: Congress rules/Standing Order) (b), unions are entitled to send a specific number of observers to Congress, based on payment of affiliation fees. The same rule applies for AFRECON.

“… Affiliated organisations may send observers on the basis of one per 100,000 paid-up members and/or part thereof. Each gender should be equally represented, where there is more than one observer, unless this is not feasible due to very significant over-representation of one gender within the affiliate’s membership…”

Visitors
Any other union representatives will be considered as “visitors”. “Visitors” are those participants who have neither delegate nor observer status, either because their delegation entitlement has already been filled or because they represent a non-affiliated organisation.

Sponsorship

PSI is able to offer a limited number of sponsorships to affiliates for participation in AFRECON. Sponsorship consideration will be based on the following conditions:

  • Affiliates must have fulfilled their financial obligations to PSI by 1 July 2025, including full payment of the 2025 affiliation fees;
  • Priority will be given to affiliates who have paid their fees regularly, in full, and on time over the past six years (2020–2025);
  • Priority will also be given to affiliates whose delegations uphold the PSI Constitutional principle of equal gender representation;
  • Affiliates who are unable to cover the cost of participation will also be prioritized, provided they have met their financial obligations to PSI.

The final decision on sponsorship allocations will be communicated by the end of August 2025.

Insurance: PSI does not take out any travel/health insurance for participants. All Conference participants should ensure that they have the necessary personal travel and health insurance before leaving home.

Payment of Affiliation Fees

As per Article 4 of the PSI Constitution, affiliates with arrears will lose their entitlements and access to financial support:

“Affiliated organisations, which at the 1st July of the payment year have not paid their fees and have not submitted applications for exemption, reduction, or deferral shall be declared to be in arrears for that year and will lose their PSI rights and entitlements, as per Annex 1, and will be so informed. These shall include:

  • participation in any PSI constitutional body, event, activity or programme with full entitlements;
  • sponsorship to any PSI event, activity or programme (only for countries below the 100% index).

Voting at Conference

Voting will take place according to the PSI Constitution (Annex 3: Congress Rules/Standing orders).

Only delegates shall have the right to vote. Voting shall normally be by show of hands with the delegate’s identification card.

If any affiliates from at least four different countries request, before voting begins, a membership vote, the President shall put the motion for a membership vote to Congress for determination by a show of hands. If this motion is carried, the vote shall be called and held immediately. A membership vote shall be determined in accordance with the paid-up membership of each organisation.

In both voting by show of hands and membership voting, a simple majority of votes cast (i.e. half plus one of the votes cast – where votes cast does not include abstentions) shall decide, except in the case of constitutional amendments and of the dissolution of PSI.

Tellers for counting votes shall be ratified at the first session of Congress.

Motions/Resolutions

Affiliates are invited to submit resolutions for consideration during the conference no later than 30 June 2025. Submissions should be sent to the sub-regional secretaries:

Please note that proposed resolutions must address specific events or developments that have occurred at the national, sub-regional, or regional level during the period 2020 to 2025. Resolutions adopted at the last PSI Congress or previous AFRECON remain valid and do not need to be resubmitted.

Appointment of Standing Orders Committee, Credential Committee, Election Officers and Tellers

Members for the above committees and election officers will be nominated by AFREC and information will be circulated later.

Interpretation & Translation

During the Conference and related meetings, interpretation will be provided in Arabic, English, and French. Documents for the various meetings will be translated into Arabic, English, and French.

Key dates & deadlines

  • Resolutions to be sent to Regional Office - 30th July
  • Final on-line registration - 30th July
  • Sending AFRECON final documents to participants - Mid-August
  • Sponsorship confirmation by PSI Secretariat - End of August
  • Sending hotel confirmations to non and sponsored/ participants - End of September