Constitution

Cyfansoddiad Plaid Gomiwnyddol Cymru
Constitution of the Communist Party of Wales

Table of Contents

Article I – Introduction

The party is named Plaid Gomiwnyddol Cymru (The Communist Party of Wales).
We are a Marxist-Leninist and Socialist-Republican party, This means that we follow Marxist-Leninist theory on how we are organised, and the Socialist Republic of Wales is the aim of our party – we take inspirations and lessons from the history of communism, and from socialist-republicans fighting for national liberation. We are rooted in the theories and practices of Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, Friedrich Engels, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, James Connolly, and those who followed in their footsteps.
The party recognizes Capitalism as a fundamentally exploitative system dependent on the private ownership of the means of production by the bourgeoisie. The state and its institutions, including the government, private enterprises, media, police, military, and prisons, function as organized means of domination by one class over another. It is within the interests of the ruling class to vehemently preserve the existing social relations to the means of production from which they benefit.
We advocate for the revolutionary seizure of the means of production, to forcibly strip power from the bourgeoisie. We call for the establishment of a socialist state where the proletariat becomes the ruling class until social classes and the state as an instrument of class domination wither away. We call for the proletariat to collective own the means of production and dictate policy through open democratic discussion in local communities and workplaces, shaping their lives, society, economy, and culture.
We are dedicated to identifying and dismantling deep-rooted social and economic injustices, with a vision to construct a future free from all forms of capitalist oppression and exploitation. We fight for socialist liberation, championing the liberation of women, trans/gender-nonconforming individuals, black people, Indigenous communities globally, people of colour, the disabled, neurodivergent as well as Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) communities. We stand in solidarity with all those whom capitalism treats as disposable.
The party acknowledges that Imperialism, with its establishment of international monopolies and the intertwining of banking and industrial capital, constitutes a global system. Recognizing this, we affirm that the pursuit of socialism is inherently international. In solidarity, we are unwavering in our support for all oppressed and colonized people worldwide.
The party recognizes Wales as a nation with a common language, territory, economic life, and psychological makeup manifested in a common culture. Currently, there is no state of Wales with its own ruling class; the Welsh government is a wing of the bourgeois British state. Only the working class can form a truly liberated and independent state of Wales.
The PGC/CPW strives to establish a vanguard of the proletariat, uniting all social and political forces that advance the interests of the working class in Wales under a single centralized, highly class-conscious, and disciplined party— Plaid Gomiwnyddol Cymru / Communist Party of Wales.
The party adheres to the principles of democratic centralism, where decisions are made collectively and issues are openly and freely debated, but once a consensus on a course of action or principle is reached, the verdict is binding on all members— “Freedom of discussion unity in action”. While centralisation is necessary, democracy is principle, we need discipline, but don’t want to avoid red tape; in other words we reject bureaucracy and ultra-democracy. We give continual and timely feedback and learn from organisational and historical mistakes. We are open to adjusting our course, and don’t want to make the same mistakes twice.
The party repudiates all forms of revisionism, dogmatism and opportunism. The party works in communication with the masses in every community and workplace, learning from the masses. Analysing and consolidating these ideas through the lens of the most advanced revolutionary theory, considering societal contradictions and the long-term interests and objective of the masses. We subject these ideas to endless scrutiny, criticism, and analysis before returning these concentrated ideas to the masses, as a political line to propel the mass struggle towards revolution.
The party is not a charity, we conduct mass work, mobilizing institutions of working-class power in every community and workplace. We promote class consciousness among the masses through experience, education, and agitation, working to form and develop labour organizations and other mass organizations such as trade unions, tenant unions, and student unions across a plethora of issues. These issues including housing, health, imperialism, the environment, education, and oppression. We aim to draw all these organisations and institutions under centralised a united front.
The PGC/CPW is not a reformist party. The bourgeoisie will not willingly cede state power to the working class, and the bourgeois state is fundamentally resistant to reforms that give leverage to the working class. At present, no party can ascend to a position of power in Wales unless it serves capitalist interests. We do not endorse any social democratic parties in Wales, nor do we advocate a strategy supporting their formation or advancement. Only through direct mass action and agitation along Marxist-Leninist principles can we constructively pressure progressive elements of the parliamentary and union movement.

Article II – Structures

1. Pwyllgor Cenedlaethol

Pwyllgor Cenedlaethol is comprised on all elected roles within Plaid Gomiwnyddol Cymru. Pwyllgor Cenedlaethol handles the implementation of Cyngrys decisions in-between Cyngrys, as directed by the membership. Using the latest Cyngres approved version of the Dogfen Ideologol 1831, it directs Plaid Gomiwnyddol Cymru in how it interacts and engages politically in Wales and internationally. It is responsible for the development of active work across Wales, along the lines agreed at Cyngrys.

2. Pwyllgor Gwaith

Pwyllgor Gwaith is comprised of Ysgrifennydd Cyffredinol, Cadeirydd Plaid, Trysorydd, Swyddog Aelodau, Swyddog Recriwtio. Pwyllgor Gwaith handles the administration of Plaid Gomiwnyddol Cymru, the monitoring and responding to emails, the running of the website and social media, handling recruitment and interviews. In special occasions where we need to reach an urgent consensus (as in within 24 hours), the Pwyllgor Gwaith is able to do this – however it must inform the Pwyllgor Canedlaethol of the matter and give them the maximum opportunity to engage and shape the response. In rare occasions where something has to be handled privately (due to members welfare or the welfare of a member of the public), the Pwyllgor Gwaith can act to resolve this issue – however it must give a clear and transparent report to the organisation on the action taken and why immediately after taking an action.

3. Recallability

An individual Elected Officer at any level can be recalled by a 50%+1 vote of the mass membership of Plaid Gomiwnyddol Cymru. An entire Pwyllgor can be recalled by a 50%+1 vote of the mass membership of Plaid Gomiwnyddol Cymru.

4. Elected roles

The Elected Roles within Plaid Gomiwnyddol Cymru.

4.1. Cadeirydd Plaid (Pwyllgor Cenedlaethol & Pwyllgor Gwaith)

The Cadeirydd Plaid is the highest authority in the party, embodying the unity and direction of the proletarian revolutionary cause. The Cadeirydd Plaid leads the implementation of the party’s line and policies, ensuring they adhere to Marxist-Leninist principles. Ensuring the party embodies the masses and Capable of guiding the masses on a revolutionary path towards a Socialist Republic of Wales. this role involves maintaining ideological cohesion, promoting discipline, and safeguarding the sovereignty of the party against hostile influence including revisionism and dogmatism. The chair works alongside the rest of the Central committee, acting as the organization’s diplomatic mouthpiece, communicates they party line, current work, achievements, and goals, and helps administrate external affairs such as interviews, and speaking on behalf of the entire party in formal statements to bodies nationally and internationally.

4.2. Ysgrifennydd Cyffredinol (Pwyllgor Cenedlaethol & Pwyllgor Gwaith)

The Ysgrifennydd Cyffredinol serves as the head of the Pwyllgor Cenedlaethol and Pwyllgor Gwaith, and is tasked with overseeing the implementation of work, and the continuing of ongoing work. They are tasked with handling our external communications, responding to external messages, and ensuring internal communications are frequent and all Elected roles are kept up to date. They ensure regular party meetings take place, the creation of agendas and the minuting of meetings. Within the Pwyllgor Cenedlaethol and Pwyllgor Gwaith, should a deadlock vote take place, the Ysgrifennydd Cyffredinol has the casting vote.

4.3. Trysorydd (Pwyllgor Cenedlaethol & Pwyllgor Gwaith)

The Trysorydd is tasked with maintaining records and reporting on national finances. They play a crucial role in ensuring the financial stability and sustainability of the party, providing regular quarterly updates on the state of the party’s finances during national meetings. The Treasurer organizes the reimbursement of funds for central party organs and members for various costs, oversees the collection of dues, examines revenue sources, and aids in securing grants and additional funding.

4.4. Swyddog Aelodau

The Swyddog Aelodau is in charge of members affairs, ensuring comradely behavior within our party, and implementation of disciplinary measures should Members Rules be broken. In the event of a potential breaking of the Members Rules, it is up to the Swyddog Aelodau to investigate, determine the facts, present a report to the Pwyllgor Gwaith and a suggested course of action. In the event the Swyddog Aelodau is under investigation, the role shall be filled by the Ysgrifennydd Cyffredinol for the purpose of the investigation. The Swyddog Aelodau sits at the head of the ‘safeguarding committee’.

4.5. Swyddog Recriwtio

The Swyddog Recriwtio is in charge of recruitment, responding to applicants and the organisation of interviews. They are also tasked with the generation of recruitment ideas and strategy, and assisting the creation of recruitment material.

4.4. Ysgrifennydd Biwro

The Ysgrifennydd Biwros are the elected heads of our Biwros of work – Addysgol, Golygyddol, Propaganda, Rhyngwladol, Materion Cenedlaethol. They are each tasked with the overseeing of their relevant areas, the creation of new work and the supporting of ongoing work. They must report back every 2 weeks to the Pwyllgor Cenedlaethol prior to a meeting, and then report back to the general membership.

5. Biwros

These specialized organizational units are tasked with managing specific functions within the party structure. Biwros must collaborate closely with one another through open discussions to streamline activities and uphold a unified and cohesive strategy. Each committee must have one Ysgrifennydd Biwro and may have additional elected offices at the branch level. The size of each Biwro may vary according to party requirements. Biwros may be reconstituted, created or dissolved by the Pwyllgor Cenedlaethol. Due cause shall be declared to all members. Presently there are five party bureaus outlined below:

5.1. Addysgol

The Biwro Addysgol is responsible for developing and implementing educational programs within the party. Its purpose is to systematically and regularly raise the political consciousness of all party members at all levels, from local to national. This may involve addressing specific topics such as historical or contemporary national and international situations, expressing solidarity with the oppressed, and addressing questions related to organizing in communities and workplaces.

Education within the party also covers more general topics, including party ideology and principles, critical culture, democratic centralism, social investigation, class analysis, imperialism, oppression, dialectical and historical materialism. Party education adheres to the principles of critical pedagogy and may involve organizing training sessions, workshops, and ideological discussions. The aim is to ensure that party members possess a robust understanding of the party’s goals and strategies, facilitating the sharing of ideas and experiences and enhancing their capacity and skills to actively participate as committed revolutionaries. The Biwro Addysgol works to develop a healthy critical culture that rejects all forms of revisionism, chauvinism, opportunism, and liberal tendencies.

5.2. Propaganda

The Biwro Propaganda works to serve as an extension of education to the broader masses, its purpose is to draw the party to the masses through effective communication of revolutionary analyses and objectives. It aims to elucidate the Party’s line and the methods of revolutionary action, It aims to propagate and illustrating the life and struggle of the masses and exposing character and deceit of our class enemies and opposing their schemes.

Propaganda takes various forms, including publications, word-of-mouth discussions, posters, stickers, and utilization of social media. Effective propaganda is live, clear, and sharp, grounded in the actual experiences of the masses and using their language. All members are encouraged to seize every opportunity to conduct propaganda among the masses during organizing efforts, in day-to-day life, and within every workplace and community.

5.3. Golygyddol

The Biwro Golygyddol ensures the public publication of party material, covering newspapers, pamphlets, books, zines, online content, speeches, artistic/cultural works, educational material, and propaganda. Its role is to clearly and accurately communicate and portray the party’s line in an appropriate tone and style. The Biwro Golygyddol provides guidance, encouragement, and confidence to all party members in writing and producing material for the party.

5.4. Materion Cenedlaethol

The Biwro Materion Cenedlaethol focuses on the analysis of the national socioeconomic context and monitors developments within Wales. Its primary objectives include evaluating and maintaining intelligence on the strength, influence, and public perception of various forces at play in Wales, including perceived political allies, adversaries, and the party itself. The Biwro is responsible for formulating and coordinating party strategy and diplomatic relations at the national level, overseeing any national campaigns, and engaging in dialogue with national organisations. To stay attuned to the needs and desires of the masses and not to slipping into commandism or tailism.

For groups considered tactically and/or strategically aligned with the interests of those oppressed and marginalized by capitalism, the bureau may guide members on mobilizing party influence and support within these groups. The bureau may organise joint campaigns and negotiating terms of affiliation with groups, drawing them under the umbrella of a national united front. Conversely, for groups deemed hostile and serving the interests of capital and/or reaction, the bureau may oversee opposition through the implementation of defensive campaigns and countermeasures.

5.5. Rhyngwladol

The Biwro Rhyngwladol is tasked with monitoring and analysing international developments, forging and overseeing the implementation of the party’s line and approach to internationalism. This encompasses the party’s relationships with other communist parties and progressive forces worldwide, demonstrating international solidarity and mutual coordination with socialist, anti-imperialist, and anti-colonialist forces, to strengthen our shared movement and act as a bulwark against all forms of imperialism and the unilateral hegemonic domination of imperialist powers.

Through international dialogue, the Biwro seeks to learn and develop our own movement from the experiences of revolutionaries currently or historically engaged in making revolution. Additionally, it strives to achieve recognition of our party in both an international and Welsh context. The bureau develops an anti-revisionist line to internationalism on all fronts, ensuring the party avoids falling into commandism, tailism, chauvinism, and opportunism, as these trends are opposed to internationalism. To dismantle imperialist narratives and propaganda, the bureau engages in agitation and the production of anti-imperialist propaganda, distributed to the masses.

6.6. Cymraeg

The Biwro Cymraeg exists to promote the use of the Welsh language internally and externally, and ensure we are following our commitments to the langauge. Plaid Gomiwnyddol Cymru commits to the normalisation of the daily use of Welsh, and solely Welsh, wherever possible – as seen in our monolingual approach to our titles. The Biwro Cymraeg ensures we remain committed to this, through providing translations, creating a culture of correction and comradely help in learning our language.

We are a party of Welsh speakers – from fluent to learners, and our Biwro Cymraeg assists those who are seeking to improve their use of the Welsh language by finding material, courses and providing assistance where possible. Externally, they work with the Biwro Propaganda and Biwro Golygydd to ensure our statements, writing and agitation uses Welsh to the maximum it can be used.

6. Safeguarding Committee

Serves to ensure the well-being and inclusion of all party members they provide support for our members should they need it – be that due to internal or external reasons. The committee team is tasked with the handling of issues, disputes and complaints as the formulation and enactment of care plans and safeguarding policy on an organisation level. The number of safeguard officers may change according to party requirements but there shall be no fewer than three officers.

The committee must have a firm understanding of the members they work with, including their physical and mental wellbeing and any/all forms of systematic oppression they may face, such as patriarchy, transphobia, homophobia, racism, ableism and financial hardship and so on. The committee is the first port-of-call in relation to members complaints – be that from within or outside the organisation. The committee works to resolve any member issues and disputes in a constructive manner. Should an issue or dispute arise, then the

The committee can investigate, overseeing a panel to deliberate on the matter independent to those involved, if a member of the committee is subject to investigation or has a conflict of interest the committee must investigate without them if necessary the Safeguarding committee may have to invoke disciplinary procedures. There must be an odd number of care officers, at least two members of the care committee in addition to the chair. All members of the committee must put forward an application to demonstrate suitability for the role. Committee members must be approachable and empathetic individuals with the utmost respect for confidentiality and someone who the members can come to for support. If the time arises they may be needed to help resolve issues. A committee member cannot hold another elected role that may cause a conflict of interest. All members, without exemption, must be mindful and proactive in ensuring the wellbeing of themselves and each other to avoid conflict and the need for safeguarding intervention

7. Representative Groups

The Party staunchly opposes all forms of oppression, intensified and amplified by capitalism to uphold a stratified social order where marginalized identities are the most subjugated and exploited for the maximum extraction of their social and economic value. Allowing the permeation of conscious bigotry or unconscious internalized oppression and abusive behavior, stemming from the encompassing and coercive influence of the capitalist social-cultural infrastructure, to go unchallenged would be dialectically anti-Marxist.

Representative groups within our organization exist to ensure that oppressed groups have a shared community space within the party. This space allows them to have a say over all party operations, including theoretical line, policy, principles, culture, and conduct. It also provides an avenue for participation in collective struggles against oppression, both inside and outside the party. Any policy the party undertakes, when related to an area covered by a group, needs to be entirely signed off by said group(s), the final decisions in each representative group are ratified solely by those who comprise that group.

The party comprises several representative groups, representing broadly defined marginalized communities across Wales. These groups are exclusively composed of individuals who identify as part of those communities. Individuals may be subject to intersectional oppression, and there is no uniformity in the experiences of oppression and violence faced by individuals in these working groups. Therefore, members are free to join as many representative groups as they feel are applicable to them. Representative groups have the authority to elect an Officer to the national Central Committee. New groups may be ratified at congress.

7.1 Anti-patriarchy Forum

This group provides a space for individuals who experience any form of patriarchal oppression, such as women and gender non-conforming people. Patriarchal oppression encompasses, but is not limited to, misogyny, transmisogyny, transphobia, hermaphrophobia, and homophobia.

7.2 Trans Forum

This group specifically caters to transgender individuals with a specific focus on combating transphobia and transmisogyny related issues. It addresses these concerns as particularly culturally prolific and invasive phenomena across Wales, systematically entrenched into many so-called leftist and progressive spaces.

7.3 Racially Oppressed Forum

This group is designed as a space for minority racial and ethnic groups subject to. It aims to confront the white supremacist, systematic exploitative and dehumanizing structures that are embedded and integral to capitalism. The group works against all forms of racism, including but not limited to anti-Black, anti-GRT, antisemitic, and Islamophobic sentiment.

7.4 Disability Forum

This group is a space for individuals with impairments, which may be physical, sensory, communicative, cognitive, or psychological, and may not be visibly obvious, such as mental health conditions. It serves as a space for individuals to combat ableism and the disabilities that capitalism systematically imposes onto their impairments, vilifying, isolating and excluding individuals from full participation in society and locking them into the reserve army of labour.

7.5 Neurodivergence Forum

This group represents neurodivergent individuals, neurodiversity describes how individuals experience and interact with the world in terms how we think, learn, communicate and behave. Capitalism treats differences that do not fit into a competitive, individualistic, profit-driven environment as deficits. This space serves as a community to combat the stigmatization, exclusion, distress, anxiety, and other challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals.

8. Branches

The basic organizational unit of the Party is the Branch. Upon joining as a probationary member, you will be assigned to your regional branch. In cases where no established branch exists in your region, you will be assigned to the geographically nearest branch. Under exceptional or necessary circumstances, members may operate without a branch structure with the agreement of the central committee. A branch is strongly encouraged to form if there are ten members operating within a single region of Wales. A sub-national geographical community of any size may establish a branch if there is a desire, capacity, and suitable conditions to do so. However, to attain recognition as a branch, there must be a minimum of three full members. A branch necessitates the formation of a branch committee comprising a minimum of three elected officers: the branch chair, education officer, and safeguard officer. Additional officers may be appointed based on the specific requirements of the branch.

A Branch committee may request permission from the central committee to merge, subdivide, or dissolve their branch. Without recognized branches, the party operates under centralized national leadership.

8.1. Branch Committee

The Branch Committee is a body of branch officers, collectively responsible for convening regular and effective meetings and education. The committee directs the political and organizational strategy of the branch in accordance to the party line, fosters morale and engagement. It helps initiate internal, public, and united front activities, collects membership dues, and provides regular records and reports on branch programs, activities, finances, and challenges. These reports are submitted to congress as part of an annual report for future reference within the branch. The committee may also have elected officers who sit on any bureaus or representative group. The committee comprises at least the following roles:

8.1.1 Branch Chair

The Branch Chair provides dedicated leadership, supporting and overseeing branch operations. Responsibilities include liaising with external organizations, ensure members feel motivated. planning and chairing meetings, interviewing recruits, maintaining branch cohesion, and actively supporting members’ ideas and projects. The Chair is an engaged and approachable member with a comprehensive understanding of the party line.

8.1.2 Safeguarding Officer

The Safeguarding Officer safeguards branch members, providing approachable and empathetic support while respecting confidentiality. They address member issues within the branch and are a member of the party Safeguarding committee, handling organization-wide matters such as complaints, care plans, safeguarding, and policies.

8.1.3 Branch Education Officer

Within the framework of national education, the Branch Education Officer is responsible for tailoring education to meet the specific and contextual needs of the branch and its operations. The Education Officer is an elected member of the National Education Bureau and contributes to shaping policies on a national level.

9. Working Groups

Working groups refer to smaller, specialized units or committees formed to address specific tasks, projects, or issues within the party. These groups are typically temporary and focus on particular aspects of party work, such as organizing events, campaigns, projects, and other specific challenges. They are comprised of members with shared expertise or interest in a particular area who work collaboratively to achieve the goals and organizational objectives of the party.

10. Elections

Party elections are part of the party’s democratic process. Unless prohibited by disciplinary protocol, any full member may submit an application for candidacy to an elected position and be voted for by the body they intend to represent. In the event that three or more candidates stand in an election, a majority will be determined by the Single Transferable Vote.

An election must be overseen by a temporary oversight committee consisting of three randomly selected party members. Members of this committee may not stand for election while serving on the committee. Members have the option to resign from the committee before the candidacy application period opens, allowing them to run in an election. In such cases, they will be replaced by another randomly selected member.

Article III – United Front Work

1. Strategy

To successfully displace and defend against the capitalist state, the working class must unite all social and political forces under a single, centralized, highly class-conscious, and disciplined political force – a vanguard party, the most advanced detachment of working-class consciousness.

The Party aims to consolidate a vanguard party by unifying all working class forces in Wales under the party banner, providing ideological direction, political education, and organizational support.
The Party commits to forming a united front through bilateral and multilateral relations with allied and affiliated groups who support our work,, based on consultations and consensus around common tactics and/or strategy to tackle mutual opponents and problems. We will associate ourselves to causes that we stand behind – such as supporting the Cuban people and their revolution from the American imperialist blockade, to the Palestinian people and their undeniable right to self-determination, and against imperialist war and poverty as a whole.

The specific nature of these relations will be decided on a case-by-case basis based on careful research, analysis, and debate by the Party, and guided by the Materion Cenedlaethol Biwro. We will seek to work alongside external organisations, despite certain differences, on these issues, whilst also fighting for a Socialist Republic of Wales.

The Party will maintain independence and initiative within the united front and will not enter into any arrangement in which it shall lose these. We will not enter any agreements in which we cannot also fight for this Socialist Republic, where we cannot retain our independence as a political entity, and our initiative to advance a united front within Wales.

The party shall always seek common ground in political agreements with allies and affiliates, the Party will not allow itself to be dictated upon by them or subordinate itself to them. The party must retain complete autonomy over its own ideological stance, strategic direction, culture, structure, allocation of resources and finances. The party must maintain it’s ability to, train and educate and base itself within the masses, without external dependency.

The leadership role of the party must be concretely upheld by all party members across all united front bodies and in all united front arrangements. We will not limit ourselves in Wales in favour of a British political entity.

2. Alliances

The party has the flexibility to form open formal alliances or discreet informal relations with any labour organization or other mass organization that shares common objectives or principles, whether on specific issues and sectors or across multiple issues and sectors.

3. Affiliation

Any labour organization or other mass organization in Wales sympathetic to the party has the opportunity to formally apply for affiliation, creating avenues for a shared mass base, political education, expertise, resources, domestic and international recognition, and solidarity.

For an organization to be affiliated, it must:

Explicitly and publicly recognize itself as part of a united front under the leadership of the Party with the aim of building a comprehensive working class bulwark.
Work actively to form, consolidate, and broaden the revolutionary unity and strength of the working class and institutions of working-class political power.
Deepen the foundation for the formation of the party and its mass line among its own ranks and the ranks of working people at large.
Have at least one joint member act as a party liaison to maintain communication and political coherence between the organization and the party.
Demonstrate evidence of upholding mutual respect, solidarity, and any agreed-upon contributions to the united front framework.

The party’s Central Committee holds the authority to accept or reject the application of any organization. Either organization may terminate the terms of affiliation at any time, but must express their reasoning clearly and thoroughly in writing.

4. Fraternal Relations

To recognise that our relationship to the Welsh Underground Network is deeper than an alliance or affiliation, both organisations have decided that we are constitutionally bound to one another, and this can only be undone by the mass-membership of either organisation deciding via a Cyngres to undo this bind.

We encourage all members of the Party to be involved with the Welsh Underground Network, to spread political knowledge in their ranks and demonstrate through clear, practical, action that our two movements exist as siblings to one another.

Article IV – Membership

1. Requirements

Membership is open to all individuals aged 18 and over who accept the party line, constitution, rules, principles, and positions. Members should be active organizers, promoting and working towards the aims, purposes, and positions of their branch and the party by actively contributing however they can, to the best of their ability. Members are expected to engage in discussions and the study of Marxism-Leninist principles and the formulation of policy is.

Members must conduct themselves in a courteous and comradely manner, upholding the unity of the party and showing respect and understanding for fellow members and any struggles they may face. Comrades should be prepared to give and receive constructive criticism, actively struggling against all manifestations of chauvinism and discrimination. Any form of bigotry, prejudice, abuse, or discrimination, including but not limited to national chauvinism, racism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, transmisogyny, hermaphrophobia, and ableism, is strictly prohibited both inside and outside the party.

The party encourages members to provide financial contributions in the form of dues. Members are expected to play an active part in the working-class movement and are encouraged to be a member of their appropriate trade union, tenants or residents association, professional body, and other mass organizations. Members are expected to be upstanding and respectful communists both within and outside of the party, avoiding abusive, intolerant, and oppressive behaviour that could bring the party into disrepute.

Active or former members of the police, the military, and intelligence services are forbidden from membership and collaboration with these groups is forbidden. Members should not engage with these groups and should refer to the most senior member or designated police liaison for advice. Under the circumstance that contact is made with police outside of organising which is not to the detriment of the organisation or any member, it is to the judgment of the member(s) involved to report the incident. Any potential conflict of interest, such as a spouse or close family member within these groups, should be explained by the member. No member of the party may be a member of another political party. The organization is not to be used for unsolicited romantic or sexual interactions. The party is not to be used to facilitate dating. Alcohol and other mind-altering drugs are not allowed while attending party meetings or organizing, unless for medicinal purposes or clearly appropriate social venue and circumstance. Do not assume alcohol is allowed at every social event, permission to drink will be specified beforehand. Do not get intoxicated to the point of bringing the party into disrepute and do not expect or pressure others into consuming alcohol or other drugs.

Members have the right to take part in relevant democratic processes of the party and its bodies. They can vote for candidates, submit candidacy to party bodies, be assigned and take part in a local branch, and attend relevant party meetings, read relevant and non-confidential party documents and communications.

2. Application For Membership

Each new member is required to undergo a probationary period lasting no less than 6 weeks and no more than 12 months, before receiving the outcome of your application to full-membership. During this period, you will be nominated by two full members of your local branch (or the central committee if you are not affiliated to a branch) based on your significant contributions and have demonstrated qualities as an organizer. At least two randomly selected Pwyllgor Gwaith members will conduct an interview with you. This interview aims to explore and understand your character, your comprehension of the organization and Marxism-Leninism, your organising and political history, stances on various issues such as racism and transphobia, as well as experiences, critiques, and perspectives on organizing with us.

It is important to note that you will not be asked to provide legal documentation. Following the interview, the Pwyllgor Gwaith will vote and report back to you with an outcome. There is no pass or fail scenario, we will assess strengths and weaknesses and provide advise for future member development priorities.

Article V – Finances

The precarious nature of work and the standard of living means that membership cannot be contingent on financial contributions. However, members are strongly advised to pay dues and will be expected to do so unless specified otherwise.

Contributions will be according to the financial situation of each member, with the minimum standard being £1 per month. Those with the means are encouraged to donate accordingly, based on monthly income after tax:

< £230 = £1 a month
£231 – £777 = £2 a month
£778 – £1343 = £5 a month
£1344 – £1910 = £10 a month
£1911 – £2477 = £20 a month
more than £2477 = 1% of income a month.

This is financial guidance, the minimum payment of £1 a month is the only contribution the party treasurer will require. Members can choose to pay via direct debit, bank deposit or cash-in-hand to to the party treasurer or their branch chair on a monthly or annual basis. The financial situation of each member is not subject to investigation. Financial reports are presented by the Treasurer to the Membership on a quarterly basis, it will be publicly available to all party members to ensure full financial transparency. These reports will be reviewed at the national congress, All finances are controlled by the central committee.

Article VI – Discipline

1. Enforcement of Members Rules

The branch and its Safeguarding Officer serve as the initial arbitrators of disputes in a local area. In cases of believed infractions against the constitution, program, or policies of the party, disputes between branch committee members, or if the branch is unable to reach a conclusion, the matter will be escalated to the Safeguarding committee. The Safeguarding Team will then establish an independent panel to decide how the organization proceeds with the complaint.

The independent panel will be a weighted selection of the general membership. While the panel is randomly selected in principle, certain individuals may be deselected (e.g., a partner or family member of the accused) and those whom the case may pertain due to a protected characteristic would be preferred for panel selection (e.g., in a case of racist abuse, PoC would be weighted for panel selection). Panel members will remain completely anonymous throughout the process.

After the investigation is concluded, a report will be given to the general membership, providing details of the case, including the accusation, methodology of investigation, and conclusion/actions taken. The report will only be released with the permission of the complainant. The same panel will then decide on the punishment. Throughout the investigation process, the Member Management Safeguarding committee must make every effort to check in on affected members, ensuring their safety and well-being.

2. Penalties For Breaking Rules

Temporary Voting rights loss:
The member will have their voting rights and the ability to stand for election temporarily revoked.
Temporary Suspension:
Temporary suspension from the party, along with a letter of wrongdoing sent to the individual(s) affected. Suspension refers to the temporary revoking of certain rights afforded to members. The suspension will last for a minimum time period and until specific requirements are met, unless specified otherwise. Suspensions will last at a maximum of eight weeks. Following suspension, the Central Committee, all subject to the panels and affected individuals will decide if the person can safely rejoin.
Indefinite Suspension:
The final say on indefinite suspension rests with the complainant. (Note: Should the person be unsuspended after investigation, a letter from the Central Committee will be written to clear the air.)
Permanent Expulsion:
Expulsion will only be considered in extreme circumstances of gross misconduct or after multiple infractions. Expulsion of a member is the complete removal of said member from the party and the automatic rejection of any subsequent applications they make to rejoin.

Article VII – General

The emblem of the party consists of a hammer and sickle with an arrowhead at the tip of the sickle, reminiscent of a dragon’s tail. The party flag is red with a gold-yellow party emblem displayed on one or both sides.
The central committee is empowered to interpret these rules and subsequently establish procedures as deemed fit and necessary.
The Welsh language is protected; the party produces bilingual materials. Welsh speakers are not obliged to speak English when engaging in organizational activities, though translation may be requested when necessary.

This constitution was approved by the First Congress of Plaid Gomiwnyddol Cymru / the Communist Party of Wales on the 31st of August 2024.