[Fsfe-uk] Postal Voting, Standing Orders, Constitution

[John Seago]

My earlier post on these matters does not seem to have managed to get to 
the list. I do however, following the 2004 AGM, have some thoughts on the 
above matters.

Whilst there is more than one point of view on the matter of the validity 
of postal elections, there will come a time when there are less vacancies 
than nominations, and at that point the Executive Committee will need to 
have in place a set of Rules (preferably a simple set) for the conduct of 
such postal elections. (Here I am assuming that the AFFS as a whole is in 
favour of postal elections). Having held two General Meetings perhaps at 
the next one the removal of the words, "PROVIDED THAT the first members of 
the committee shall be elected by personal vote at the first General 
Meeting of the Association.}", would serve to clarify matters. It would 
also appear that at some point it may have been intended to hold elections 
by proportional representation, (see below). 

There would seem to be an anomaly in the rules regarding voting, 10b 
provides that "all questions arising at any meeting shall be decided by a 
single transferable vote (as defined by the Electoral Reform Society)", 
the 'single transferable vote' is a method of achieving  proportional 
representation at elections, and not a method of voting to accept the 
Chairman's, Treasurer's or Secretary's reports, or any other matter which 
is not an election. To accept Reports, and to decide all business, other 
than elections, either a simple or qualified majority, taken on a show of 
hands of those eligible to vote, is all that is required. It might appear 
therefore, that this provision in the Constitution may have been intended 
to apply to elections.

The Executive Committee has the power to adopt and issue standing Orders 
and Rules for the Association (see Constitution 10d). Whilst there would 
seem to be no urgent need for Standing Orders, rules for a postal election 
by proportional representation, could perhaps be needed in the next 11 
months. It might also be useful for the Chairman to have to hand guidance 
notes for the meeting on such matters as Amendment of Motions and 
Procedural Motions.

I am aware that these are not matters which grab the attention of members 
of the AFFS. There is however a need to establish a framework within which 
the AFFS can properly operate, in order to allow it to achieve its aims 
and objectives, not the least to provide the framework through which 
grants can be distributed.  
-- 
John Seago