Page 7 In the absence of a court of special jurisdiction, the present Supplementary Protocol shall be regarded as giving the necessary powers to common or civil law judicial bodies. i) Political parties shall be formed and shall have the right to carry out their activities freely, within the limits of the law. Their formation and activities shall not be based on ethnic, religious, regional or racial considerations. They shall participate freely and without hindrance or discrimination in any electoral process. The freedom of the opposition shall be guaranted. Each Member State may adopt a system for financing political parties, in accordance with criteria set under the law. j) The freedom of association and the right to meet and organise peaceful demonstrations shall also be guaranteed. k) The freedom of the press shall be guaranteed. l) All former Heads of State shall enjoy a special status including freedom of movement. They shall enjoy special benefits compatible to their status as former Heads of State. SECTION II: ELECTIONS Article2 1. No substantial modification shall be made to the electoral laws in the last six (6) months before the elections, except with the consent of a majority of Political actors. 2. All the elections shall be organised on the dates or at periods fixed by the Constitution or the electoral laws.