Proposals for resolutions of the general meeting

Here is space to present proposals for resolutions that will be submitted to the general meeting of the Socialist Party of Iceland.

I. Proposal for a mixed approach to selecting candidate lists for parliamentary electionsProponents: Kári Jónsson, Guðmundur Jón Erlendsson, Þórdís Bjarnleifsdóttir

In light of previous experience with candidate selection, we believe that the methodology, where a nominating committee (uppstillinganefnd) selects all candidates on a list, has many drawbacks and increases the risk of conflicts of interest, limited democratic participation, and lack of transparency. The proposal aims to increase transparency, decentralize power, and ensure that candidate lists reflect the diversity of society.

It is proposed that the top three individuals on the list in each constituency be selected in a closed primary election, in which all members of the Socialist Party with at least four months of membership have the right to vote in all constituencies.

To ensure a more diverse composition of the lists and reduce the risk of conflicts of interest and lack of transparency, an independent selection committee (valnefnd) shall be elected at a general meeting in each constituency, composed of five individuals, who select candidates from the fourth position downwards. In the selection of the committee and in its work, the following points shall be taken into account:

to ensure the social diversity of the lists, including with regard to class status, gender, age, and residency within the constituency
to ensure transparency in the process and clear justification for the selection of candidates
to avoid any conflicts of interest and ensure that as many perspectives and experiences as possible are represented on the list.

The top three candidates do not sit on selection committees and the general meeting approves the list of the selection committee in each constituency.

Statement on the proposal for a mixed approach to selecting candidate lists forparliamentary elections

Our goal with this proposal is to strengthen democracy, ensure transparency, and promote that the candidate lists of the Socialist Party of Iceland reflect the diversity and values that the party stands for. In light of the experience of recent years, we consider it urgent to review the methodology that has been used for candidate selection, where the nominating committee has had absolute power over the ranking on candidate lists. That method, in our opinion, has various drawbacks that undermine democratic participation, increase the risk of cronyism, and weaken the trust of ordinary members in the process.

Disadvantages of the current arrangement:

Lack of democratic participation: Members have little to no say in the ranking of candidates on the list. Power is in the hands of a few, and public participation in the process is kept to a minimum.
Risk of conflicts of interest: The committee can unconsciously (or consciously) allow personal connections, friendships, or its own ideas about „cooperative“ individuals to dictate the process rather than considerations of political strength, diversity, or democratic mandate.
Lack of transparency: The process is often unclear, and the justification for the selection of candidates or their ranking on the list is not always apparent.
Reduced trust: When the selection of candidates is based on a closed and opaque process, the trust of members in the democratic practices of the party decreases.

Advantages of the proposal for a mixed method for selecting candidate lists for parliamentary elections:

Democratic participation of members: By granting all registered members the right to vote in the selection of the top candidates, power is transferred to the grassroots. Members gain real power to choose those who lead the struggle in all constituencies.
Distribution of power: The proposal involves a two-tiered process where members select the top positions, and a five-member selection committee, elected at a general meeting, has the role of ensuring diversity in the lower positions. This reduces centralization and provides both democratic legitimacy and oversight in the process.
Increased transparency and accountability: With a clear framework for the work of selection committees – where there is a requirement for justification, transparency, and diversity – a more trustworthy and fair process is created. The involvement of the general meeting ensures increased oversight and increases the accountability of those involved in list compilation.
Ensures broader representative democracy: With clear instructions to the selection committee to ensure social diversity, the likelihood increases that the list will reflect society – class stratification, gender, age, and residency, and thus credible voices from all sectors of society will be offered.

We believe that this proposal is a step towards more open, fairer, and more democratic party work. It is based on the fundamental values of socialism: solidarity, distribution of power, and active democracy. We therefore encourage members to approve this proposal and actively participate in building a stronger and more democratic movement from the ground up.

II. Proposal for the allocation of parliamentary state funding to the Socialist Party of Iceland and AlþýðufélagiðProponents: Kári Jónsson, Guðmundur Jón Erlendsson, Þórdís Bjarnleifsdóttir

We propose that the parliamentary state funding be divided equally between the Socialist Party of Iceland and Alþýðufélagið, which owns and operates Samstöðin.

We consider it urgent to ensure the operation of the Socialist Party of Iceland and Samstöðin.
We propose that 50% of the state funding go to the Socialist Party of Iceland because we consider it urgent that the party has cash on hand for the party's operations and election campaigns.

We consider it urgent that Samstöðin receives 50% of the funding to be able to continue the strong work it has done so far in television and radio with robust social discourse in a declining media environment.

With this change, the Socialist Party of Iceland will take over the lease agreement and operation of the community center of the Socialist Party of Iceland, Vorstjarnan Bolholti 6.

Statement with a proposal for the allocation of parliamentary state funding to the Socialist Party of Iceland and AlþýðufélagiðJustification

The party's own operations must be ensured Until now, the party has not had an independent share of the state funding for its own operations, despite being a political party with growing responsibilities and tasks. If we are to build a strong, democratic, and sustainable party that can sustain regular election campaigns, organized nationwide work, and robust policy development, then the party must have its own finances and access to capital. Cash on hand is necessary to maintain organization, infrastructure, connections with the grassroots, and not least, preparation for upcoming parliamentary elections.
Samstöðin plays a key role in dissemination and discussion We do not want to weaken Samstöðin – on the contrary. Samstöðin has proven to be one of the party's most important social platforms, where marginalized viewpoints in mainstream media find space and the issues of the common people receive coverage. In a declining media environment, where free and independent discussion platforms are under pressure, it is necessary to protect the funding of Samstöðin. Therefore, we propose that it continues to receive 50% of the funding, undiminished.
Clearer division of labor and sustainable infrastructure development With this change, the operation of the Socialist Party is ensured to implement projects and election campaigns. The Socialist Party's contribution to Samstöðin (50%) of the parliamentary state funding has a significant and positive impact on the continued development and operation of Samstöðin. The party takes over the operation of the community center in Bolholt, which reflects the increased responsibility and independence of the party as a political force. This is a step towards independent infrastructure and financial sustainability for both entities, where each can fulfill its role on a stronger foundation.

Conclusion

We propose this change with responsibility and long-term thinking. It strengthens party work, protects Samstöðin, and ensures a clearer distinction between political force and media role. By dividing the state funding equally between the Socialist Party of Iceland and Alþýðufélagið, we build both pillars of the movement in a fair, transparent, and sustainable way.

We encourage members to support this proposal in the name of democracy, responsibility, and stronger party work.

III. Proposal that candidates be put forward for municipal elections

The Election Committee (Kosningastjórn) proposes two proposals for putting forward candidates in municipal elections. Firstly, a proposal to decide to put forward candidates, and secondly, a proposal on the procedure for the preparation and organization of municipal elections.

The Election Committee proposes that the general meeting approves putting forward candidates for municipal elections in 2026. The Election Committee will be entrusted with the detailed implementation for relevant municipalities. The aim will be to put forward candidates in all municipalities.

This is the first proposal of the Election Committee

IV. Proposal for candidate selection for municipal elections

The Election Committee proposes the following proposal for candidate selection in municipal councils, to emphasize that members in their local environment are involved in these matters, i.e., ranking on lists and preparation, and this is put forward with the aim of activating party work and members in their municipal elections. So that it is clear in our procedure how we work for the next municipal elections.

Proposal 2: The Election Committee shall be tasked with reaching out to members in all municipalities and working collaboratively to prepare for municipal elections. The Election Committee will contact all municipalities where the Socialist Party of Iceland has members and seek out those who are willing to run for office. Members will be assigned tasks and thus work on building up activities and preparing for municipal elections in cooperation with other members. The selection of candidates for municipal elections will be based on a nominating process where a responsible person in each municipality will oversee the ranking on the list in cooperation with local residents who wish to actively participate in the work and the Election Committee, and from this, a nominating committee will be formed. The Election Committee appoints at least one person for each municipality to provide assistance with the nomination of candidate lists and other matters. Lists will be submitted for confirmation by a general meeting to be held in the respective municipality with remote participation options.

V. Proposal for parliamentary elections

Proposal of the Election Committee for candidate selection for parliamentary elections

It shall be approved to create a nominating committee for parliamentary elections where a joint meeting of all party boards selects the responsible person for the nominating committee, after requesting nominations from members. The responsible person will be selected at least six months before the elections. They will oversee the selection of ten members for the committee, present their case and submit it for approval by a general meeting, but can also add members to the committee to carry out tasks as needed. The committee seeks support and assistance from constituencies for nominations but has the final say in decisions. The nominating committee selects candidates for lists in all constituencies and submits them for approval at a general meeting. The lists are then formally approved or rejected. A three-person group from each constituency will assist in their constituency and will be part of the committee when candidate selection in that constituency is underway. Efforts shall be made to ensure that the ten-member committee is composed of individuals from all constituencies where candidates are put forward. The selection of candidates shall be justified.

Reasoning:This is done due to practical circumstances; this is a lot of work where people need to commit themselves to the upcoming tasks.