The congress, scheduled for March 19-23, has assembled 3,650 delegates, including 540 female delegates and 540 youth delegates.

This congress marks an about-face in the party’s development of new approaches, action programmes and external relations. It will appoint 9 committees and return to the model of “Standing Committee” and “Politburo” that existed before the 8th congress.

The Standing Committee will have 250-300 members and the role of women and youths will be clearly redefined.