2

The purposes of political parties shall be:
a) To contribute to the pluralist enlightenment of citizens and to the exercise of their freedoms and political rights;
b) To study and debate the problems of political, economic, social and cultural life at national and international level;
c) To present political programmes and prepare election manifestoes;
d) To submit candidatures for democratically representative elected bodies;
e) Particularly from an opposition standpoint, to criticise the activities of the various bodies that belong to the State, the Autonomous Regions, local authorities and the international organisations to which Portugal belongs;
f) To participate in the clarification of issues which are submitted to national, regional or local referendum;
g) To promote the training and political preparation of citizens for a direct and active participation in democratic public life;
h) In general, to help promote fundamental rights and freedoms and the development of democratic institutions.