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(1) The existence and the diversity of political parties are essential elements of the democratic system of the Republic of Austria (Section 1 B-VG[Bundesverfassungsgesetz - Federal Constitution Act]).
(2)One of the functions of the political parties is to participate in the formation of the political decisions.
(3) The formation of political parties is free to the extent that the Federal Constitution Act does not provide otherwise. Their activities shall not be subject to any restrictions by particular provisions of the law.
(4) The political parties shall adopt by-laws to be published in a periodical product of printed matter and to be deposited with the Federal Ministry of the Interior. The by-laws shall in particular specify the organs of the parties and which of them are authorized to represent them vis a vis third parties, as well as the rights and duties of the members. The legal structure of the political parties shall be legally effective as soon as the by-laws are deposited.
(5) By a Federal Act, the President of the Board of Audit may be given the task to obtain and keep lists of donations to political parties and, upon request of a party, issue a public statement as to whether donations contained in the list delivered to him have been properly declared.