Artikel 8

1. The Council shall be the governing body of the SKAO. Each Member shall be represented on the Council by up to two representatives, one of whom shall be the voting representative who shall be authorised to act and vote on its behalf. Representatives may be assisted by advisers.
2. The Council shall be responsible for the overall strategic and scientific direction of the SKAO, its good governance, and the attainment of its purposes. It shall have all necessary and proper authority to discharge effectively its responsibilities.
3. In addition to the functions set forth elsewhere in this Convention, the Council shall:
a) Appoint the Director-General and approve the appointment of other senior staff, as required in accordance with the Staff Regulations;
b) Approve the policies, rules, and regulations of the SKAO, including with regard to scientific, technical, financial and administrative matters, as well as access to the SKA and its data;
c) Approve the budget and supervise expenditure and financial activity;
d) Appoint auditors;
e) Approve and publish the audited annual accounts;
f) Approve and publish annual reports; and
g) Take further measures, as necessary for the functioning of the SKAO.
4. For any meeting, convened either in person or remotely, and for any decision of the Council a quorum of two-thirds of Members shall be required. Members not eligible to vote shall not be considered part of the quorum.
5. Each Member shall have one vote in the Council, unless otherwise specified.
6. Decisions by the Council shall be taken by a vote of a two-thirds majority, unless otherwise specified.
7. In determining the unanimity or majorities provided for in this Convention or the Financial Protocol of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory, account shall not be taken of a Member which is absent, is not participating in the vote, abstains or has no right to vote.
8. The choice of the Headquarters Country and each Host Country may be amended, subject to Article 15, after a unanimous vote of the Council.
9. For projects approved in accordance with Article 3, paragraph 2, Members shall not have the right to vote unless they have agreed to make a financial contribution.
10. Subject to the terms of this Convention, the Council shall determine its own Rules of Procedure.
11. The Council shall elect a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson for a term of office of two years. The Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson may not be elected more than twice.
12. The Chairperson shall convene the meetings of the Council in accordance with its Rules of Procedure. The Council shall meet as and when required, but not less than once per year.
13. The Council shall establish a Finance Committee on which every Member shall be represented. The Council shall establish such other committees as may be necessary to accomplish the purpose of the SKAO. The Council shall define the mandate and membership of such committees.