1- Be a Mauritanian national.
2- Be at least 20 years old.
3- Not have been convicted of an offence involving dishonour or dishonesty, unless legally rehabilitated.
5- Work regularly in journalistic editing for a regularly issued publication covering public affairs, a news agency, radio or television news editing, or an electronic news publication meeting the institutional requirements applicable to printed newspapers.
7- Not be subject to any legal provision preventing membership.
Applicants for membership must include the following documents in their file:
1- A certified true copy of the university qualification or a certificate of professional experience.
2- A certified true copy of the employment certificate from the press organisation employing the applicant, or of the appointment decision in a public press organisation.
3- A copy of the identity card.
4- A certificate of the latest salary statement.
5- The completed membership registration application form, accompanied by proof of payment of the 2000 ouguiya membership application fee.
6- An accreditation letter for correspondents of foreign media who meet the membership requirements specified above.
7- Four 4X6 identity photographs.
At its annual session, the Union Council grants honorary membership to distinguished figures outside the journalism profession
who work to support and advance the profession and strengthen press freedoms.
Article (7): The General Assembly holds an ordinary session every three years. It may meet in an extraordinary session upon a call by the Executive Board or two thirds of its members, or following a request signed by one third of all General Assembly members whose subscriptions are paid. Extraordinary sessions may discuss only the items included in the notice convening them.
Article (8): The General Assembly is the Union’s highest authority.
Article (9): The Assembly’s powers are as follows:
1- Elect the chairing body and committees of the congress.
2- Adopt the congress agenda.
3- Discuss the reports submitted by the Union’s Executive Council and take appropriate decisions concerning them.
4- Discuss and approve the financial report for the period between two sessions.
5- Discuss and approve amendments to the statutes and code of ethics.
6- Elect the Union President and members of the Executive Council.
7- Set the broad outlines of Union policy between sessions and issue such decisions and recommendations as it considers appropriate for implementation by the Executive Board.
Article (10), new: An ordinary or extraordinary session of the General Assembly reaches quorum when half the active members plus one are present. If quorum is not reached at the first meeting, the Assembly is called to another meeting within one week and convenes with one third of the members. If one third is not present, a third meeting is called one week later and convenes with those present.
It is put to an initial vote at the opening meeting. If it is not approved, proposals for an alternative agenda are invited and put to a vote; the proposal receiving the largest number of votes from those present is adopted.
Two hours after the scheduled time, registration reopens for one additional hour. If quorum is again not reached, the Assembly is postponed until the following day. If quorum is still unavailable, the congress may convene on the third day with one third of the members. The Assembly is postponed for three months if quorum is not reached, and the Executive Board continues managing the Union’s affairs during that period.
Article (12): General Assembly decisions and recommendations are valid upon approval by a majority of those present, except adoption or amendment of the statutes, which requires a majority of the General Assembly’s members.
Article (13): The Executive Board prepares the General Assembly agenda at least ten days before it convenes.
Article (14), new: Decisions and recommendations issued by the General Assembly’s general congress are binding on the Executive Council and other bodies, which must assume responsibility for implementing them.
Article (15), new: (a) Nominations for President and membership of the Executive Board open twenty-five days before the congress and remain open for ten days. After nominations close, five days are allowed for withdrawals and appeals. The list of candidates becomes final after that period.
(b) 20 per cent of the seats voted on for membership of the Executive Board are reserved for women journalists. This percentage is calculated from the total number of Executive Board members, including the Union President.
(c) Candidates are elected by list through a free, direct and secret ballot by the General Assembly members present at the voting meeting.
(d) The list receiving the most votes from those present wins. If two lists obtain equal votes, a second round is held. If the second round does not determine the result, it is decided by drawing lots.