5.1.1 Composition and powers

5.1.1.1 The General Assembly is the highest governing body of SEEPAD.

5.1.1.2 The General Assembly consists of all the Member Bodies of SEEPAD. Each Full Member appoints one delegate authorized to take part in voting. All Member Bodies may be represented at the meeting by up to three delegates.

5.1.1.3 The General Assembly at its meetings decides on matters prepared and passed to it for approval by the Council.

5.1.2 Exclusive powers of the General Assembly
The General Assembly:
a) Receives and approves the reports of the Council, Treasurer and the auditor(s);
b) Approves the budget for the next year;
c) Approves the composition of the Council for a two year term;
d) Decides on admissions and exclusion of members to and from SEEPAD, based on the recommendations of the Council;
e) Adopts and makes amendments to the Articles;
f) Elects internal auditors;
g) Decides on the level of membership fees according to each membership category; and
h) Decides on the dissolution of SEEPAD.

5.1.3 Quorum and majority

5.1.3.1 Each Full Member has the right to one vote in the General Assembly. There is a quorum of the General Assembly if the Full Members present or represented by proxy, as required in 5.1.3.3, total two-thirds of the total number of eligible votes and no less than half of the countries of registration are represented.

5.1.3.2 Decisions are determined by an absolute majority of votes cast by all Full Members eligible to vote who are present. A two-thirds' majority is required for the following decisions:
a) Amendments to these Articles;
b) Admissions to and exclusion from membership; and
c) Dissolution of SEEPAD.

5.1.3.3 If a Full Member is prevented from attending a meeting of the General Assembly it may appoint any other Full Member as its proxy to vote on its behalf at the meeting, provided that such appointment is sent by written notice to the Administrative Office before or at the beginning of the meeting in question.

5.1.4 Ordinary Meetings
The General Assembly shall hold an ordinary meeting at least once every year. The Council determines the place, date and agenda for the meeting.

5.1.5 Notice of Ordinary Meetings

5.1.5.1 Two months' notice is given to the registered Member Bodies of any ordinary meeting of the General Assembly. The notice must include the draft agenda. The agenda becomes final 30 days before the meeting of the General Assembly. An item may be added to the agenda at the request of Full Members representing at least three of the countries of registration or by the President.

5.1.5.2 No business other than that included on the agenda should be transacted at any ordinary meeting of the General Assembly, except as decided by the President.

5.1.5.3 The final agenda, report of the Council, report of the Treasurer and reports of external and internal auditors, as well as the texts of resolutions submitted for voting, shall be sent to Member Bodies no later than 30 days before the date of the General Assembly, unless otherwise provided in this Charter.

5.1.6 Special Meetings

5.1.6.1 Special meetings of the General Assembly may be held in the following cases:
a) By a two-thirds majority decision of the Council members; or
b) On the written request to the Council by Full Members representing at least one-half of the countries of registration. The request specifies the issues to be placed on the agenda of the special meeting.

5.1.6.2 Special meetings of the General Assembly are held within three months of the decision of the Council or the receipt by the President of the written request in accordance with Article 5.1.6.1b) to hold such a meeting. No later than 30 days before holding a special meeting, notice must be given to all Member Bodies, together with the agenda and written request. No business other than that included on the agenda may be transacted at any special meeting, except as decided by the President.