5-Star Movement (M5S) members have
voted to change the two-term limit for the group's elected
representatives, according to results presented at a
'constituent assembly' called to decide on reforms wanted by
leader Giuseppe Conte.
The members also voted to eliminate the role of 'guarantor" held
by founder Beppe Grillo.
Grillo opposed the reforms and his loyalists boycotted the
assembly in an unsuccessful bid to stop it reaching quorum.
Changes to the M5S statute extending the limit to three terms
and giving exemptions to mayoral and regional governor
candidates both passed with more than 50% of the votes in
favour.
Designed to prevent M5S representatives becoming part of the
political 'caste', the two-term limit was one of the key
principles of the anti-establishment movement when
comedian-cum-politician Grillo founded it in 2009..
But Conte said it needed to change for the M5S to take advantage
of the experience its representatives have accrued and help
reverse a recent drop in popularity.
"The indication on the limit of two mandates is clear," said
Conte.
"The clear signal you have given us is to valorise our
experiences and skills.
"You are tired of fighting on unequal terms with other political
parties".
The members also voted that any eventual alliances the M5S
enters into must be conditional on the agreement of a specific
programme.
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