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[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.