You may take part in a peaceful assembly and create an organisation without asking for political permission to exist.
Arts. 53–54 · organise without prior authorisation · proposed internal rights
Association, assembly and organisation
Democracy also depends on collective organisation. The Constitution protects peaceful assembly and the right to create internal Candeian organisations — such as associations, cooperatives, trade unions and political parties — without prior political authorisation.
Proposed Constitution · reference text · not promulgatedIn brief
A right is not an abstract promise: it constrains concrete decisions.
Compulsory dissolution of an association depends on a judicial decision in the constitutional circumstances. Trade-union freedom and the right to strike form part of the same architecture: people must be able to form organisations to defend common interests without depending on the Government's goodwill.
Organisation is not a concession from those in power
The State may require general registration or transparency rules where constitutionally justified, but it may not turn prior political authorisation into a condition for people to associate peacefully.
Pluralism needs institutional space
Political parties, trade unions, cooperatives and associations have different functions, but share one principle: collective life cannot be monopolised by the State or by a single organisation.
What this means for you
Practical consequences
Compulsorily dissolving an association requires a legal basis and a judicial decision where the Constitution so requires.
Workers may organise trade unions and exercise the right to strike under the applicable constitutional and legal framework.
Limits and institutional honesty
What this safeguard does not authorise
Freedom of association does not protect an organisation created to commit precisely defined unlawful acts.
Assemblies and demonstrations may be subject to general safety and coexistence rules when necessary and proportionate.
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Association and assembly
Participation does not depend on agreeing with the Government
Organising, assembling and forming lawful associations are part of civic freedom. Restrictions require a legal basis, a legitimate aim and proportionality; peaceful opposition is not an institutional failure.
Protected space
Association, peaceful assembly, political or social organisation and collective defence of lawful interests.
Exceptional restriction
Only on the applicable legal grounds, with oversight and without punishment for mere criticism or dissent.