The National Elections Committee (the Committee) was tasked to consider a complaint matter arising from the AFS HQ (NCR) Sub-Group elections held on December 8, 2021.
Following a thorough review of the supporting evidence received, the Committee fully debated and ruled on the matter.
The Committee was of the view that the AFS HQ (NCR) Sub-Group Elections Committee was not duly constituted as there was nothing reflected in the official record (minutes) of the Executive and/or AGM, as per the Sub-Group’s BL 7.1. The Committee also found irregularities around the handling of the ballots, a concern pertaining to the Sub-Group’s BL 7.3.2.
As such, the Committee deemed the AFS HQ (NCR) Sub-Group election to be invalid and has determined that it will need to be re-conducted. The National Elections Committee will strongly encourage the Sub-Group to have the National Elections Committee run the election for them. However, if the Sub-Group intends to do so itself, the following instructions should be followed:
- The election will be open to members who had indicated an interest in running in the Sub-Group election either at the AGM or prior to the AGM.
- For clarity, only those members entitled to vote and who were in the room and had their attendance recorded on the attendance sheet for the AGM shall be permitted to vote.
- The Sub-Group’s Election Committee must be comprised of new members. Members that were part of the original AFS HQ (NCR) Sub-Group Election Committee will not be considered.
- The new election will be conducted electronically. The National Elections Committee will provide assistance in setting up and administering the electronic voting.
Until the necessary steps and arrangements are undertaken, the “former” AFS HQ (NCR) Sub-Group Executive remains in office until the new election takes place and results are announced.
Tom Kirkpatrick
Chair, National Elections Committee