29.01.1998

Thesis on factions

Agreed by the CPGB (PCC) and RDG (OC)

1. A revolutionary democratic communist party is united around its programme. But, because it is part of the class and not an ideological sect, it can contain within itself many different views on many different questions. What matters is correct revolutionary practice. That can only be ensured if there is unity in action and the right and duty to criticise and self-criticise. Differences should be expressed openly - in print and at party meetings. They must be allowed to take organisational form, including the form of factions.

2. Factions are organisations within the party not united by geography, nationality, sex or any other objective criteria, but a common political position. This can be confined to one particular question or it can involve a whole range of issues and principles.

3. Factions are permissible in any revolutionary democratic communist party. If factions are subject to a permanent ban they will reappear as illegal factions within a bureaucratic centralist regime. Without the right to form factions there can be no genuine democracy in the party.

4. The right to form factions provides the best conditions for overcoming factionalism and the replacement of factional centres with the difference of shade. Party work and frank exchange of views is what brings about the unity of communists both in terms of theory and practice.

5. Members of factions have the same rights and responsibilities as all other members of the party. Members of the party work under its collective discipline, pay required dues and abide by majority decisions when it comes to the actions of the party. Members have the right to elect and be elected. Members have the right and duty to express their views as long as they do not disrupt the actions of the party or jeopardise its security.

6. Factions should be granted proportional representation on the leading committee and the editorial boards of party publications. Minority positions should also be proportionally represented in the election of congress and conference delegates, etc.

7. Factions have the right to organise their own national and regional meetings. Details of cell membership and business are matters for the cells and higher party committees alone. But factions have the right to submit theses, platforms and resolutions to party cell meetings, aggregates, conferences and congresses. Factions have the right to organise fringe meetings at party schools and must be given provisions to present their views in plenary sessions.

8. Factions have the right to raise their own finances by levying dues or inviting donations. Factions have the right to submit articles, resolutions, etc to party publications. They also have the right to produce their own publications and have them printed at cost price by the party printshop.