Article 77. Relation of Commission to international bodies from which it derives functions and powers
The International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature is a permanent body which derives all its powers and its Constitution from resolutions of the International Congresses of Zoology, and their delegated successors.
The XVII International Congress of Zoology (1972) delegated its powers and functions referred to in the Code and the Constitution of the Commission to the International Union of Biological Sciences (IUBS). That delegation includes the power to delegate powers and functions to another international body of zoologists under conditions specified in this Article.
77.3. Conditions for delegation
77.3.1. In the event of a delegation from one international body to another, the Commission shall by agreement with the new body make provisions for a Section of Zoological Nomenclature, electing members of the Commission, reviewing proposals by the Commission to amend the Code (see Article 90) and the Constitution (see Article 84.1), and reporting to the international body on activities of the Commission, as specified in this Code and in the Constitution of the Commission.
77.3.2. This international body of zoologists must adopt and put into effect the agreed provisions for the exercise of its functions.
77.3.3. No delegation shall be made under this Article by the international body without the prior concurrence of the Commission.
77.3.4. In the event of the body exercising delegation under this Article failing, in the opinion of the Commission, to carry out its functions, the Commission may terminate the delegation and transfer it to another international body of zoologists.
77.3.5. Any proposal before the Commission under this Article shall require approval by two-thirds of the votes of the members of the Commission validly cast by mail in a secret ballot.
77.4. The Constitution of the Commission
The Commission is governed by a Constitution [Art. 77.1] (See also Article 84).
In any period following the termination of a delegation (made and terminated under Articles 77.3.1 and 77.3.4 respectively), the Commission shall continue its functions under the Code and Constitution, and shall report to the body succeeding to the delegation as though it had been in authority during the period subsequent to its most recent report to the previous body. During that period elections to the Commission must be made by procedures for filling casual vacancies (see Constitution: Article 4.6).