[council] Motion for using a secret ballot for the chair election on 28 Oct.
Hi,
I have checked with legal and with Policy Staff and it has been
determined:
- That voting for Chair may be either by open or closed vote, there is
nothing in the bylaws or operating procedures to prohibit a secret
ballot.
- No default currently exists since nothing is specified in the bylaws
or operating procedures, and there is a new Council being seated. The
Council could vote on whether to conduct a closed vote which would be
decided by a simple majority of both voting houses.
- That for election of Council chair, if the 60 % threshold of both
houses is met in a face to face vote, there is no need for an absentee
vote.
Since we have a difference of opinion within the old council, and I
assume within the new council on this issue, it makes sense for there
to be a vote to determine whether the vote is open or closed.
I propose (although I cannot move, as I will not be a voting member at
the time the motion is voted on) the following motion:
----
Whereas the ByLaws and Operating Procedures are silent on whether
elections are held as open or secret ballots,
and the old council has in its history held both open and secret
ballots,
and the new council has not yet set any precedents,
Resolved,
The 2009 Ballot for GNSO Council, and any necessary followup ballots,
will be held as secret ballots using paper ballots for council members
in attendance at the Seoul meetings and, if required, using a 24 email
ballot for any absent members.
----
Paper ballots are being prepared in the eventuality that this motion
is made, seconded and prevails by a majority in each house. The vote
on this motion would be taken as the first item during the Election
agenda item of the Wednesday 28 October meeting. I will ask for
someone to move and second the motion at that time.
Thank you
a.