1

(1) The parties are a constitutionally and legally necessary and integral part of the free democratic order in the state. With their free and constant assistance in the formation of the political will of the people, they perform their social task assigned to them and guaranteed by the Constitution.
(2) Parties assist in the formation of the political will of the people in all spheres of social life, in particular by:
influencing the shaping of public opinion;
stimulating and enhancing political education;
encouraging the active participation of citizens in political life;
training citizens to assume public responsibility;
participating in Federal, Land and Local Government elections by nominating candidates;
exerting influence on the development of political trends in parliament and the government;
introducing their defined political objectives in the national decision-making processes;
securing continuous, vital links between the people and the public authorities.
(3) Parties shall define their objectives in political programmes.