Status

CHARTER OF THE RESEARCH CENTRE ON ASYLUM AND MIGRATION CHAPTER ONE

Name, Headquarters, Definitions, Purpose, Fields of Study and Activities

 

Article 1: The name of the Association is “The Research Centre on Asylum and Migration” (İGAM).

The Headquarter of the Association is in Ankara. 

The Association may open additional branches in Turkey and abroad.

DEFINITIONS

Article 2: In this Charter:

Association: Refers to “The Research Centre on Asylum and Migration”, hereafter referred to as Association.

Charter: Refers to the Charter of “The Research Centre on Asylum and Migration”, hereafter referred to as Charter.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSOCIATION

Article 3: The Association has been established in order to raise public awareness of immigration and refugees, by carrying out research in the field of asylum and immigration and perform all activities mentioned in Article 4, in line with the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the European Convention on Human Rights and other international human rights conventions, documents, values and principles. It acknowledges that human rights represent a value above all political ideologies and world views, which stands above any discrimination based on any religion, language, sex, sexual orientation or nationality.

FIELDS OF STUDY AND ACTIVITIES OF THE ASSOCIATION

Article 4: The Association may carry out research studies on any subject within the field of asylum and immigration, as they find necessary, in order to conduct right-based advocacy.

The Association may perform the following activities, in order to achieve its purpose, whilst ensuring sustainability:

1. a) Establish research centers for the purpose of scientific research in the field of asylum and migration, in order to monitor the developments in the field of migration and asylum and present the findings to the public.
2. b) To establish and update a database in the field of asylum and migration which is available free of charge to the public. The Association will release the data collected by the Association and by third parties in relation to the researches, after having obtained permission from any concerned third party.
3. c) Establish a communication network between local and foreign researchers that carry out research in the field of asylum and migration.
4. d) Follow up on national and international developments in the field of asylum and migration and prepare policy proposals to inform policymakers and public debates.
5. e) Forecast events accurately, using evidence-based data available in the fields of asylum and migration.
6. f) Organize open forums, conferences, seminars, panels, symposiums, workshops, briefings meetings etc. in compliance with the purpose of the Association.
7. g) Conduct study visits in the country and abroad and participate in relevant meetings and conferences.
8. h) Carry out lobbying activities to improve standards in Turkey in the fields of asylum and migration, according to the international and Turkish protection standards.
9. i) Carry out activities intended to increase public awareness of asylum and migration.
10. i) Carry out all kinds of publication/broadcasting activities within the framework of the purpose of the Association.
11. k) Create audio and visual works, representing the mission and purpose of the Association, to broadcast and publish them and to participate in fairs and festivals.
12. j) Perform informative and educational activities in line with the purposes of the Association.
13. k) Provide information and speaker support to media organizations that wish to carry out research and report on asylum and migration.
14. l) Prepare annual activity reports.
15. m) When necessary, prepare and disseminate press bulletins in line with the Association’s purpose.
16. n) Develop, implement and conduct national and international projects, provide funds and receive funds from national and international organizations in line with the Association’s purpose.
17. o) Cooperate with other international and national, public and/or private institutions and organizations.
18. p) The association will carry out joint projects with public institution and organizations, adhering to the Law No 5072 on Relations of Public Institutions and Organizations with Associations and Foundations.
19. q) Carry out researches and studies that will support the Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Migration Management, within the legal framework on foreigners and person under international protection (FIPL) on issues pertaining to the international law on foreigners and those under international protection (IAC).
20. r) Carry out projects in cooperation with organizations including the United Nations, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Organization for Migration, the European Union, the European Council, the European Court of Human Rights, the European Commission, the OSCE, embassies as well as national and international organizations.
21. s) Join national and international associations and organizations to cooperate with them and carry out international activities and joint studies.
22. t) Within the Association’s field of interest that are not prohibited by law, form platforms with other associations or foundations, trade unions and similar non-governmental organizations, in order to achieve a common purpose.
23. u) Create a healthy and satisfactory working environment, to procure all kinds of technical tools and equipment as well as fixtures and stationeries; for project-based studies, to employ personnel on fixed term contracts.
24. w) Purchase, sell, lease and rent all kinds of movable and stationary equipment and to perform al legal responsibilities arising from these immovable properties.
25. x) Collect aid and donations nationally and internationally and, to admit/receive conditional and unconditional donations and testaments, in compliance with the Law on Collection of Charitable Donations and the relevant legislation in the Charter.
26. y) To receive financial assistance from similar associations, workers’/employers unions and professional organizations in order to realize the Association’s objectives; to provide financial assistance to appropriate institutions for the purposes of the Association.
27. z) If necessary to establish foundations and/or federations and to participate in existing federations.
28. aa) Establish commercial enterprises in order to achieve its purpose mentioned in the Article 4 of the Association’s Charter.
29. bb) Establish social and cultural facilities and open clubhouses for the benefit of its members to enjoy in their leisure times.

 

 

CHAPTER TWO

Membership Terms, rights and obligations of members

MEMBERSHIP OF THE ASSOCIATION

Article 5: Any natural or legal person who agrees to the aims and principles of the Association and will work in accordance with the conditions stipulated by the law of the Association may become a member of the Association.

JOINING THE ASSOCIATION

Article 6: Anyone who wishes to become a member shall apply to the Association’s headquarter by filling in the membership form and providing two written reference, on being from one of the founding members. The Administrative Board makes the decision on the application within 30 days. Membership application may be rejected with a reason. The applicant is notified on the result of the application in writing. All members whose applications are accepted are registered in the book held for this purpose. The Administrative Board can grant an “honorary membership” to following persons: persons who have carried out valuable work on the subjects of the Association's purpose, persons who can carry the mission of the Association, persons who can contribute effectively to the objectives of the Association, persons who can assist the Association in real or legal terms and person who can benefit financially and spiritually.

RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE MEMBER

Article 7: All members have equal rights to

1. Participate in the Association’s activities and management
2. To vote in the General Assembly. Each member has one vote, the may vote by proxy, in person or for another member, provided that written consent is obtained.
3. In the event that the legal person is a member, the Head of the Administrative Board of the legal person or the person designated by him/her shall vote. When the presidential or representative duty of such a legal person is terminated, the person who will vote on behalf of the legal person is determined again.

Article 8 – Members have the right to

1. Wear the Association’s badges, which have been prepared by the Administrative Board of the Association depending on their titles.
2. If they wish they can use the identity cards issued by the Administrative Board of the Association.

 

Article 9 - Members responsibilities:

1. Annual membership fee: the annual fee for the members shall be determined at the General Assembly meeting. However, until the first General Assembly meeting is held, the annual membership fee is 50 TL per year.
2. Other Obligations: Members shall comply with the Charter of the Association and shall show loyalty to the Association. Each member shall act in accordance with the aims of the Association. Behaviors that hinder or prevent the achievement of the objective of the Association are prohibited.

RESIGNATION

Article 10 - No one shall be forced to remain a member of the Association. Each member may leave the Association provided that he/she provides written notice of his/her request to leave.

TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

Article 11– The decision to terminate a membership is made by the Administrative Board after taking the member’s written statement of defense. The member may appeal to the General Assembly against this decision. The decision of the General Assembly is final.

REASONS FOR TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

Article 12: The member of the Association shall be expelled by the Board if the following conditions are met:

1. Acting in words and behaviors contrary to the purpose of the Association
2. Behaving in a way disruptive to the activities of the Association
3. Adopting, advocating and/or practicing violence in the private and/or public sphere

FOREFEITURE OF MEMBERSHIP

Article 11: Membership is dropped by the Board of Directors in the following cases:

1. Death of the member
2. In case legal barriers emerge against membership or in the case of loss of legal conditions to the membership
3. In the case of failing to pay the annual membership fee within 30 days, despite written notification

 

 

CHAPTER 3

ORGANS OF THE ASSOCIATION

Article 12: Organs of the Association are as follows:

1. The General Assembly
2. The Administrative Board
3. The Auditing Board
4. General Secretary and Secretariat (In Case it is found necessary by the Administrative Board)

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Article 13: The General Assembly is the most empowered organ of the Association. It consists of all members.

DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Article 14: The General Assembly is charged with and empowered to:

1. Elect the members for the organs of the Association
2. Amend the Charter of the Association
3. Review reports prepared by the organs of the Associations, approve them by making amendments on them, acquit these organs or grant powers for filing lawsuits/cases against them
4. Discuss the budget prepared by the Administrative Board and to accept it as it is or change it
5. To determine new study projects for the following term and to determine the periodic plans, strategies and targets in line with the reports submitted by the Administrative Board
6. To authorize the Administrative Board to purchase, sell, rent and lease the necessary movable and immovable properties for the Association, and perform all legal duties arising from those immovable properties on behalf of the Association
7. Decide which international activities and/or associations the Association or any affiliate of the Association shall engage, participate or leave
8. To examine and decide whether a member should be expelled from the Association;
9. Decide to open branches of the Association
10. Decide the dissolution of the Association
11. Fulfill the duties assigned to the General Assembly in the Associations’ Law and other relevant legislation.

ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS

Article 15: The General Assembly shall hold two types of meetings, ordinary and extraordinary. Ordinary meetings are held every two years in APRIL. The bodies of the Association are elected for two years.

EXTRAORDINARY MEETING OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Article 16: The General Assembly shall convene an extraordinary meeting when deemed necessary by the Administrative Board or the Auditing Board or upon the written request by one fifth of the members of the Association.

If the Administrative Board does not call the General Assembly to a meeting within a month upon the written request by the Administrative Board or the members of the Association, the relevant provisions of the legislation on associations are applied.

CALLING GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO MEETING

Article 17: The Board of Directors prepares the list of members entitled to attend the General Assembly in accordance with the charter of the Association. The members shall be invited at least 15 days before the General Assembly. This invitation will be in written or by electronic mail or in the local newspaper, providing the date, time, place and agenda. The notification indicating the date when the second meeting will be held, in case the necessary majority is not present, shall be mentioned in this invitation. The period between the date of the first meeting and the second meeting shall not be less than seven days and more than sixty days.

If the meeting is postponed for any other reason, this shall be announced to the members in accordance with the call procedure for the first meeting, stating the reasons for the postponement. The second meeting must be held within six months.

The members are called to the second meeting according to the principles stated in the first paragraph. The General Assembly meeting cannot be postponed more than once.

MEETING PLACE

Article 18: General Assembly meetings cannot be held in any place other than the provincial centre where the headquarters of the Association are located.

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS NECESSARY FOR THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING TO BE HELD

Article 19: The General Assembly will convene if more than half of the members entitled to attend the General Assembly in accordance with the charter of the Association are present. If the quorum is not reached in the first meeting, the majority is not sought in the second meeting. However, the number of members participating in this second meeting may not be less than twice the total number of members of the Administrative Board and the Auditing Board.

For the decision to terminate the Association or amend the Charter, participation of two thirds of the members eligible to participate in the General Meeting, is required. Two thirds of the participants present in the meeting are required to vote by majority on any decisions to terminate the Association or amend the Charter.

STRUCTURE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING

Article 20: The list of members entitled to attend the General Assembly shall be made available at the meeting place. The identity of the members attending the meeting is checked by the members of the Administrative Board or by a person assigned by the Administrative Board. Members enter the meeting place after signing their names in the list arranged by the Administrative Board.

If the quorum specified in Article 19 is achieved, this shall be recorded in minutes and the meeting shall be opened by the Chairman/Chairwoman of the Administrative Board or by one of the members appointed by the Chairman/Chairwoman of the Administrative Board. After the opening of the meeting, a Chairman/Chairwoman of the Council and sufficient number deputy Chairman/Chairwomen who shall manage the meeting, and two clerks shall be elected.

The Chairman/Chairwoman of the General Assembly is responsible for the management of the meeting. The clerks will prepare the minutes of the meeting and sign them together with the Chairman/Chairwoman. At the end of the meeting, all minutes and documents are submitted to the Administrative Board.

TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED AT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING

Article 21: Only the items on the agenda are discussed at the General Assembly meeting. However, it is obligatory to include issues into the agenda, if one tenth of the members present at the meeting request this.

 VOTING AND DECISION MAKING PROCEDURE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Article 22: All members of the Association may participate in the General Assembly and vote. Decisions other than the amendment and termination of the Charter shall be taken by an absolute majority of the participating members. In the event of an equal vote, the Chairman/Chairwoman’s vote is the deciding vote. The election of the members of the Association is done by a secret ballot and an open count.

ORGANIZATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD

Article 23: The Administrative Board shall be composed of five full members and the same number of alternate members, elected for two years by a secret ballot and an open count by the General Assembly. The member whose term of office expires may be re-elected to the Administrative Board. Vacant memberships are completed from alternate members respectively. The alternate member completes the term of the member he/she replaced.

If the number of members of the Administrative Board falls below half of the total number of members due to vacancies, the remaining members of the Administrative Board or the members of the Auditing Board shall convene the general assembly within one month.

DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD

Article 24: The Administrative Board is charged with and empowered to:

1. Carry out the activities required by the Association's purpose, takes decisions and implements them;
2. Performs transactions related to the Association’s income and expense accounts, prepares the draft budget for the upcoming period and submits it to the General Assembly;
3. Calls the General Assembly of the Association to an ordinary and extraordinary meeting;
4. Prepares the agenda of the General Assembly meetings;
5. Implements the decisions taken at the General Assembly regarding any activities of the Association;
6. Ensures that records of all correspondence of the Association are exchanged duly and records are kept;
7. Establishes and abolishes commissions, boards and committees in matters and areas deemed necessary for the Association;
8. Assigns duties and powers to one or more members of the Association to carry out the affairs of the Association;
9. Prepares and implements regulations concerning the internal functioning of the Association, particularly the functioning of commissions, boards and committees;
10. The Chairman/Chairwoman of the Administrative Board represents the Association in accordance with the charter of the Association. The Administrative Board may assign this duty of representation to a member. Representative powers include signing on behalf of the Association, grant projects, bank transactions, signing and terminating agreements with external employers. All of which shall be performed on behalf of the Association.
11. In order for the Association to perform its duties, the board may employ a Secretary General and staff. The Administrative Board will decide the duties, powers, salaries and any other employee affairs.
12. Has the authority to file lawsuits/cases on behalf of the Association,
13. If the Board finds it necessary; carry out disciplinary proceedings against a member by taking his/her written statement of defense and warn, reprimand, temporarily dismiss or terminate a membership.
14. Determines the threshold for any expense for the Association that will require to be signed by the President or the Secretary and the Treasurer, and the amount, which will require the signature of the Secretary and the Treasurer alone;
15. Carry out all work and activities arising out of the Law of Associations, relevant legislation, and the internal regulation that will be prepared and arising out of any resolution taken by the General Assembly.

MEETING OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD

Article 25: The Administrative Board shall convene at least once a month in an ordinary manner; an extraordinary meeting shall be convened should the chairman or three of the members of the board of directors call on it. During the first meeting, the Administrative Board elects one Chairman/Chairwoman, Secretary and Treasurer. The Chairman/Chairwoman represents the Association on behalf of the Administrative Board. The secretary carries out all the administrative affairs of the Association. The Treasurer carries out the financial affairs of the Association and maintains its accounts. The Administrative Board shall convene with an absolute majority. The meeting is chaired by the Chairman/Chairwoman, and in his/her absence, by the Deputy Chairman/ Chairwoman and decisions are ratified by absolute majority. If the count of votes is equal, the Chairman’s vote is decisive. Any member is considered to have resigned if they fail to attend three consecutive meetings or six meetings a year, without a justification.

THE CHAIRMAN/CHAIRWOMAN OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD AND HIS/HER DUTIES

Article 26:

1. He/she shall represent and administer the Association. He/she presides over the Central Administrative Board meetings.
2. He/she will announce within thirty days following the election made by the General Assembly, the Administrative Board and the Auditing Board and the other elected members, to the local administrative authority.

3.He/She ensures that the Association’s end of year financial statement, presenting the income and expenditure transactions, is submitted to the local administrative authority by the end of April each year.

4. He/she ensures that any foreign aid is received by bank transfer.
5. He/she ensures that any immovable properties acquired by the Association and the addresses of these and the persons assigned are declared to the local authority, from the date of registration with the land registry office.
6. He/she calls upon the Administrative Board for important and urgent matters. He/she encourages the efficient and effective performance of the headquarters and branches, and leads the way.
7. He/she caries out the duties, which are assigned to the Chairman/ Chairwoman.

DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE GENERAL SECRETARY AND THE SECRETARIAT

Article 27:

1. The General Secretary is a professional administrator who, within the framework of the laws regulating working life in Turkey, is charged by the Administrative Board to ensure that the affairs of the Association function uninterruptedly ant that the projects are carried out successfully. He/she shall along with the other employees, fulfil the duties determined by the Administrative Board.
2. The General Secretary and the Secretariat shall carry out studies for the Association’s purpose as indicated in the Carteret. The General Secretary and the Secretariat will keep the books, accounts and records in accordance with the legislation and the Carteret of the Association.
3. The General Secretary, if invited by the Administrative Board, may participate in the Boards’ meetings, present opinions or make proposals and provide progress reports on the activities.

ESTABLISHMENT AND DUTIES OF THE AUDITING BOARD

Article 28: The Auditing Board consists of three principal and the same number of alternate members, elected for two years by a secret ballot during the General Assembly.

The Auditing Board shall carry out inspections at intervals not exceeding one year in accordance with the principles and procedures determined in the charter of the Association. The Auditing Board carries out audits to ensure that the Association operates in line with the guidelines specified in the charter. It is responsible to ensure that the objectives set forth in its charter, including book keeping, recording the projects and keeping accounts, are upheld in accordance with the legislation, and submits these to the General Assembly during the meetings.

INTERNAL AUDIT

Article 29: Internal auditing may be carried out by the General Assembly, Administrative Board or the Auditing Board as well as by independent audit institutions. An audit conducted by the General Assembly, the Administrative Board or an independent audit institution does not eliminate the need to establish the Board of Auditors, and them to carry out audits.

 

BOOKS AND RECORDS

Article 30: The Administrative Board of the Association shall keep the following books:

1. Member registry: This book contains a copy of all the Association’s member’s personal I.D and the date of entry to the Association.
2. Resolution Book: This book keeps a dated and numbered record of the Administrative Board’s decisions.
3. Balance sheet and yearly account file: It shows a record of all the balance sheets and final account statements of each year.
4. Income and expense book: It keeps records of all incomes and expenses.
5. Fixtures book: This book keeps a record of all the fixtures belonging to the Association.

 

CHAPTER FOUR

Organization of the Association

ESTABLISHMENT OF FEDERATION

Article 31: In order to realize its objectives, the Association may establish federations with associations that are appropriate for the purpose of its establishment, and may participate in federations with the same purpose.

REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES

Article 32: A representative office may be opened in order to carry out the activities of the Association in the home country and abroad. Representatives cannot be represented in branch or Association’s general assemblies. Branches are prohibited from opening representative offices. The local administrative office shall be notified of the address of the representative office. This notification shall be in writing by the person or persons assigned to represent the Association by the Administrative Board. The president of the Association is responsible for this declaration.

FORMATION OF PLATFORM

Article 33: Platforms may be established in order to realize a common purpose with other associations or foundations, trade unions and similar non-governmental organizations in areas related to the purposes of the Association and not prohibited by law.

Platforms cannot be established or show activity in line with any aims and activities that associations are prohibited by law.

BRANCHES OF ASSOCIATION

Article 34: The Association may open branches at home and abroad, if decided so by the Central General Assembly. The Founders’ Committee, which is comprised of a minimum of three persons, determined by the Central Administrative Boards, shall deliver the branch declaration of incorporation, and the required documents to the local authority where the branch will be opened, to ensure that the Association’s branch is opened in compliance with the legislation.

BRANCH GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND DUTIES

Article 35:

1. a) The General Assembly Branch is composed of all members entitled to participate in the Branch’ s General Assembly and is the most empowered decision-making body of the branch.
2. b) The General Assembly Branch shall hold its ordinary meetings at least once every three years, at least two months before the General Assembly Meeting.
3. c) It elects the members of the Branch Administrative Board consisting of five principal and five alternate members and the Branch’s Auditing Board consisting of three principal and three alternate members.
4. d) It examines the income and expenses of the Association’s Branch and conducts audits if necessary.
5. e) It calls the Branch’s General Assembly for meeting, prepares the agendas of the meetings and decides on the quorum for meetings and resolutions. The General Assembly works shall be carried out in accordance with the principles specified in the relevant articles of the Charter.
6. f) It carries out other duties and uses the powers specified in the legislation by the Branch General Assembly.

 

 

BRANCH ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD AND ITS DUTIES

Article 36:

1. a) It consists of five principal and five alternate members elected in a secret ballot by the General Assembly of the Branch.
2. b) Within thirty days following the General Assembly, the members elected to the Administrative Board shall distribute the duties amongst themselves and shall notify the results to the local authority and the headquarters of the Association.
3. c) The Administrative Board meets on the specified days to discuss the affairs related to the branch. It ensures that decisions taken on matters requiring a decision are recorded in the Resolution Book and signed jointly. It prepares the draft budget to be submitted to the Branch’s General Assembly.
4. d) It determines the annual membership fee to be paid by the members of the branch.
5. e) It works in coordination and harmony with the headquarters of the Association’s Branches.
6. f) It carries out other duties and uses the powers specified in the legislation by the Administrative Board.

BRANCH AUDITING BOARD AND ITS DUTIES

Article 37:

1. a) It consists of three principal and three alternate members elected by a secret ballot by the Branch’s General Assembly. They serve until the next General Assembly. A member whose term has expired may be re-elected.
2. b) It shall, in intervals that do not exceed one year, carry out audits to ensure that the Association’s activities are in line with the purposes indicated in the charter, and these activities are of a sustainable nature. It will also carry out audits to ensure that the books, accounts and records are kept in compliance with the legislation. It shall submit a report of the results of the audits to the Administrative Board and submit them to the General Assembly during its meetings.
3. c) It shall determine its own working procedure. The Chairman/ Chairwoman of the Auditing Board or one of the members of the Auditing Board may, upon invitation, attend the meetings of the Administrative Board and submit opinions or make proposals.
4. d) Upon the request of the members of the Auditing Board, any official of the Association shall hand over all requested information, documents and records. Any request to enter the administrative premises, establishments and places of management shall be met.
5. e) It carries out the duties and uses the powers in other matters, as assigned by the Auditing Board and as required by the legislation.

REPRESENTATION OF BRANCHES AT THE CENTRAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Article 38: Elected and natural delegates represent the branches in the General Assembly. The directors of the Administrative Board and the Auditors of the branches shall be entitled to participate in the general meeting as a natural delegate and a delegate may be elected on behalf of twenty members of the general meeting of the branch.

 

CHAPTER FIVE

ELECTIONS

ELECTION PERIOD AND ELECTION METHODS

Article 39: The elections at the headquarters of the Association shall be held at the Ordinary General Assembly every two years in April. The elections at the Branches shall be held two months prior to the elections of the Association’s headquarters. The elections are held by a secret ballot and an open counting. Elections can be held anytime, provided that they are scheduled on the agenda of the Extraordinary General Assemblies. The Chairman/Chairwoman of the council ensures and supervises compliance with the election principles. The full and alternate members of the Boards shall be indicated separately on the printed ballot papers.

BALLOT PAPERS

Article 40: The administrative Board shall, prior to the elections, provide sufficient numbers of blank ballot papers.

BALLOT ENEVELOPES

Article 41: the Administrative Board shall prepare sufficient number of voting envelopes. These ballot envelopes shall be single color and sealed by the Council Chairmanship. They shall be delivered to the chairman of the council accompanied with a record of the number.

Members eligible to participate in the elections at the General Assembly shall receive the ballot papers. They may receive these until the end of the election period. Members shall sign to acknowledge receipt of ballot papers. The ballot papers, one blank ballot envelope and a blank ballot paper, must bear the signature and the seal of the Chairmanship of the Administrative Board.

ELECTION BOARD MEMBERS

Article 42: The persons responsible for safe guarding the Election Ballot Boxes are determined at the General Assembly amongst members who are not candidates for the Administrative and Auditing Board.  These persons will comprise the Ballot Box Committee, and should be determined by written petitions.

During the voting process, the members of the Ballot Box Committee observe the regular and correct voting, as well as the counting of the votes.

CASTING VOTES

Article 43: In the elections, blank ballot papers printed by the Administrative Board, are provided.

No modifications are permitted on the printed ballot papers. Members who wish to use the blank ballot papers can write the names of the persons they wish to elect on the relevant sections.

For the ballot paper to be valid: Only one name can be written once for each part pertaining to the Chairman/Chairwoman, and each member's principal and substitute member. If the same name is written more than once, the ballot will be considered invalid.

The members shall drop their ballot papers, contained in the sealed envelope, into the ballot boxes and sign their name in the list of members.

OPENING OF BALLOT BOXES

Article 44: The Chairmanship Council opens the ballot boxes once the voting process is completed, in the presence of the members of the General Assembly. In the event that ballot papers without an envelope are found, they are separated and this is stated in the records. The remaining voting envelopes and entrance cards are counted separately for each ballot box and recorded.

OPENING OF BALLOT ENVELOPES

Article 45: Once the valid voting envelopes have been determined, the Committee of Election Ballot Boxes shall open the envelopes one by one and extracts the ballot papers and sort out the ballot papers found in these envelopes. During this process;

1. a) If a name, signature or a sign, which could identify the person that has cast the vote, is found on the envelope and/or ballot paper, either printed or handwritten, the ballot paper is deemed invalid and this shall be stated in the records.
2. b) If more than one printed ballot of the same color appears inside an envelope, the ballot shall be deemed invalid and this shall be stated in the records.
3. c) If more than one printed ballot in different colors is found in an envelope, the ballots shall be considered invalid and this shall be stated in the records.
4. d) If a printed ballot paper and a ballot paper filled in by hand are found in an envelope, both of them shall be considered invalid and this shall be stated in the records.
5. e) If a printed ballot paper and an unfilled blank ballot paper are found in an envelope, these ballot papers shall be separated and the printed ballot paper shall be considered valid. This shall be stated in the records.

COUNTING VOTES

Article 46: Following the determination of the valid ballot papers by the Council Chairmanship, in accordance with the relevant articles of the charter, the units indicating each board shall be separated and delivered to the Committee of Election Ballot Boxes. The results of the count, together with the ballot papers, shall be presented to the General Assembly’s Chairmanship.

 

ELIGIBILITY QUORUM

Article 47: The principal and substitute members of the Boards shall be elected respectively according to the votes they have received individually.

If there are equal votes for the election of the principal and alternate members of the Boards, the winner shall be determined by the Chairman/Chairwoman of the General Assembly, who will draw from the winners, in front of the General Assembly. The person drawn by the Chairman/Chairwoman will have won the vote.

CHAPTER SIX

Miscellaneous Provisions

INCOMES AND PROPERTIES

Article 48: The members’ annual contribution fee, the incomes earned from the assets of the Association, the donations received within the legal framework, any aids collected according to the Law on Collection of Charitable Donations, the income of the properties acquired through donations and testaments, registered in the Association’s name, the income earned from any enterprise belonging to the Association, and any other income earned in line within the scope of Law, constitute the incomes of the Association. All income is collected against a certificate of receipt. If the income of the Association is collected through the banks, documents such as a statement issued by the bank or a statement of account shall replace the receipt.

The Association may acquire movable and immovable property in order to realize its purpose and maintain its activities.

TERMINATION AND LIQUIDATION OF THE ASSOCIATION

Article 49: The General Assembly of the Association may, at any time decide to terminate the Association. In order for the General Assembly to decide to dissolve the Association, at least two-thirds of the members and delegates entitled to attend the General Assembly must be present at the meeting. If this majority cannot be achieved in the first meeting, members and delegates are invited to the second meeting. However, the decision on termination shall in any case be made by a two-thirds majority of the members and delegates present at the meeting.

If the General Assembly has passed a resolution to dissolve the Association, a Liquidation Committee, comprised of the current members of the Administrative Boards, shall be appointed to be responsible to liquidate the properties, money and rights of the Association. This Committee is authorized and charged to complete the liquidation of the property, money and rights of the Association throughout the entire process, in accordance with the legislation. In case of termination, all the properties, money and rights of the Association shall be transferred to another association or organization, which is suitable for the purposes of the Association. This Association shall be determined by the members of the General Assembly.

Within seven days of completing the liquidation and transfer of the money, properties and rights of these Associations, the Liquidation Committee shall notify the local administrative authority (where the Association’s headquarters are located). This notification shall be in writing and included the minutes of the liquidation.

If no decision has been taken by the General Assembly or the General Assembly has not been convened or the Association has been dissolved by a court order, all the money, properties and rights of the Association are transferred to an association closest to the purpose of the Association and having the highest number of members on the date of closure of the Association.

OPENING OF CLUBHOUSES AND FACILITIES

Article 50: At its headquarters, the Association may open and operate clubhouses and leisure facilities, and have them operated, provided that the Association obtains permission from the relevant authorities.

ESTABLISHMENT OF FUNDS

Article 51: The Association may establish a fund to provide necessities such as food, clothing and other goods and services and short-term credits to its members, provided that the resulting profits are distributed among the members. Any dividend interest or returned profits shall be distributed among the members as income.

EMBLEM

Article 52: The Association’s emblem shall be adopted through a resolution of the Administrative Board. If a flag or pennant is produced for the Association, the required legal transaction procedures will be carried out. The Associations’ emblem shall not be distributed to any person other than the members, without the prior consent of the Administrative Board. The emblem shall not be soled and shall not be used for any purpose other than the one originally intended.

STAFF AND WORKERS

Article 53: Sufficient personnel and workers may be appointed by the Administrative Board for the conduct of the affairs and operations of the Association. Permanent assignments are made in accordance with the budget of the working period and temporary assignments as required, in accordance with the allowance within the budget. In addition it is possible to assign personnel and workers on a voluntary basis.

NOTIFICATION OF ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION TO THE LOCAL AUTHORITY

Article 54: Within thirty days following the election by the General Assembly, the Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Directors shall notify the local authority of the principal and alternate members elected to the Administrative and Auditing Boards, as well as all elected members of any other organ of the Association. The Chairman/Chairwoman shall also declare any changes/replacements in respect to the organs and headquarter of the Association to the local administrative authority within thirty days.

PROCEDURES FOR INCOME AND EXPENSE AND BORROWING

Article 55: All income of the Association shall be collected against “certificates of receipt”. The expenses of the Association must be made with “certificates of expenditure”. The borrowing procedures of the Association are made in accordance with the decisions taken by the Administrative Board in accordance with the Legislation of Obligations.

TEMPORARY ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD

Article 56: Until the first general meeting, the provisional Administrative Board constitutes the following members:

Chairman of the Board: Prof.Dr.Yakın Ertürk

Deputy Chairman of the Board: Metin Çorabatır

Secretary: Fikret Hassa

Treasurer: Levent Korkut

Member: Asst. Prof. D. Özgehan  Senyuva

The Administrative Board’s Members referred to above are the members whose names are contained in the approved official charter.