Part One GENERAL RULES Chapter I status and composition Chapter II Membership Rule 3 Status Rule 5 Term of office The African Commission is an autonomous treaty body working within the framework of the African Union to promote human and peoples’ rights and ensure their protection in Africa. 1. 2. Rule 4 Composition 1. 2. In conformity with Article 31 of the African Charter, the Commission shall consist of eleven (11) members chosen from amongst African personalities of the highest reputation, known for their high morality, integrity, impartiality and competence in matters of human and peoples’ rights, particular consideration being given to persons having legal experience. The members of the Commission shall serve in their personal capacity. 3. Members of the Commission are elected for six years and shall be eligible for re-election. If a member of the Commission is re-elected at the expiry of his or her term of office, or elected to replace a member whose term of office has expired or will expire, the term of office shall begin from that expiry date. In conformity with Article 39(3) of the African Charter, the member of the Commission elected to replace a member whose term has not expired, shall complete the term of his or her predecessor. However, if the remaining term of office is less than six months, there shall be no replacement. Rule 6 Order of precedence 1. In the discharge of their duties, members of the Commission shall follow the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson according to their seniority in office. When there are two or more members of the Commission with equal seniority, precedence shall be given to the oldest. Part One : General Rules 7