Rotary Clubs are invited to submit the name of the proposed candidate from their Club to serve as District Governor Nominee (Governor 2011-12), latest by 15th December, 2008.
The proposal shall be submitted to the District Governor in the form of a resolution adopted at a regular meeting of the Club, naming the suggested candidate and duly certified by the Club President and Secretary, along with Eight (8) copies of the candidates bio-data, in the prescribed form together with the candidates consent in writing to District Governor - 129/1, Sri Saranankara Road, Dehiwela.
ROTARY ELECTION "DO'S AND DONT'S"
* Do become familiar with the rules
* Do observe the spirit and letter of the rules
* Do continue normal Rotary service
* Do consult with knowledgeable Rotarians if you have any concerns about a current assignment or a new assignment if it may give an appearance of campaigning
* Do not undertake personal initiatives to gain visibility
* Do not participate in schemes to gain personal recognition/favour
* Do not respond in kind to another candidate's improper activities
* Do not communicate with or visit clubs involved in the applicable election except to fulfill necessary functions
GOVERNOR-NOMINEE - Selection (MoP pages 31 & 32)
The selection of a governor-nominee by the clubs in a district should be conducted in a dignified, responsible manner in harmony with the principles of Rotary. (RCP 19.030.1.) The district must select the nominee for governor not more than 36 months, but not less than 24 months, prior to the day of taking office. (RIB 13.010.)
Any Rotarian who engages in campaigning or canvassing for elective office in RI may be subject to disqualification from election to the office sought and possibly to future RI offices for such periods as the RI Board may determine (see chapter 3). (RIB 10.060.1.)
Districts are urged to seek out and nominate the best-qualified person for the office of governor and to avoid procedures influenced by any system in which the nomination is traditionally rotated among various groups of clubs or geographic areas.
Rejection of Nomination by Board
If a nominee for governor does not meet the prescribed qualifications and requirements, the Board shall reject the nomination and the general secretary shall not present it to the convention for election. (RIB 13.060.1.)
Method of Selection
Except for those districts in RIBI, a district must select its governor-nominee either by a nominating committee procedure or by a direct ballot-by-mail or, alternatively, at the district conference, the choice of which shall be decided by a resolution adopted at a district conference. (RIB 13.020.1.) For districts using the Nominating Committee procedure, there is the possibility for clubs to propose challenging candidates. (RIB 13.020.8.)
Ballot Procedure
All votes for governor by a single club (when entitled to more than one vote, based on membership) must be cast unanimously for the same candidate; if not, the votes from that club are considered spoiled. (RIB 13.020.13., 13.040.1.)
In the event of a challenge, biographical data accompanying the ballot-bymail is limited to the following:
1) Name of candidate, name and location of club, number of years a Rotarian, classification, name of firm or former firm, position in firm or former firm, meetings attended in last five years, current position(s) or assignment(s) in Rotary (elective or appointed), former position(s) or assignment(s) (elective or appointed)
2) Special Rotary services or particular Rotary activities in which a candidate has been engaged (i.e., what the candidate has done to advance Rotary)
3) Most significant honors or achievements in business and professional activities
4) Most significant honors or achievements in civic and public service activities (RCP 19.030.2.)
Qualifications
At the time of selection, a governor-nominee must
1) Be a member in good standing of a functioning club in the district (RIB 15.070.1.)
2) Have full qualifications for membership in the strict application of the club membership provisions, and the integrity of the Rotarian’s classification must be without question (RIB 15.070.2.)
3) Have served as president of a club for a full term or be a charter president of a club having served the full term from the date of the charter to 30 June, provided that this period is for at least six months (RIB 15.070.3.)
4) Demonstrate willingness, commitment, and ability, physically and otherwise, to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the office of governor as provided in RI Bylaws section 15.090. (RIB 15.070.4.)
5) Demonstrate knowledge of the qualifications, duties, and responsibilities of governor as prescribed in the RI Bylaws, and submit to RI, through its general secretary, a signed statement acknowledging a clear understanding of them. This statement shall also confirm that the Rotarian is qualified for the office of governor and willing and able to assume the duties and responsibilities of the office and to perform them faithfully. (RIB 15.070.5.)
Please refer our DISTRICT BY-LAWS (R.I. District 3220, Sri Lanka) ARTICLE-XI- DISTRICT NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Sections 6 to 7.
Also refer the Manuel of Procedure (MoP) pages 224-229
Article 13 Nominations and Elections for Governors
13.010. Selection of a Governor-nominee.
13.020. Nominating Procedure for Governor.
13.030. Selection Through Ballot-by-Mail of Governor.
13.040. Ballot-by-Mail Specifications.
13.050. Certification of Governor-nominee.
13.060. Rejection or Suspension of Governor-nominee.
13.070. Special Elections.
13.010. Selection of a Governor-nominee.
Rules for Candidates for Elective Offices (MOP Pages 60 & 61)
It is a fundamental principle in Rotary that the best-qualified candidates should be selected for service in Rotary’s elective offices. Therefore, any effort to influence the selection process in a positive or negative manner by campaigning, canvassing, electioneering, or otherwise is prohibited under the RI Bylaws. (RIB 10.060.1.; RCP 26.090.5.)
The following rules have been adopted by the RI Board, based on the provisions of RI Bylaws section 10.060., concerning campaigning, canvassing, and electioneering for any Rotarian seeking election to the office of president, director, governor, or representative to the Council on Legislation, or the nominating committee for any such office. These rules are designed to ensure that the best qualified candidate is selected.
1) Rotarians should at all times conform to the prohibitions of the RI Bylaws concerning campaigning, canvassing, or electioneering. All Rotarians should observe both the letter and the spirit of the bylaws and refrain from any activity whose purpose or effect is to influence others by promoting or soliciting support for a particular Rotarian’s candidacy. Such activity is repugnant to the spirit of the bylaws and the principles of Rotary and will be grounds for disqualification.
2) Campaigning, canvassing, or electioneering is any action seeking to promote, attack, support, or oppose a candidate, either directly or indirectly, in any medium, including, but not limited to, seeking votes, requesting support in a forthcoming election, distributing literature or promotional materials, or other overt actions intended to promote one’s candidacy for an elected Rotary office.
3) The periods of candidacy for elective office begin when individual Rotarians give serious consideration to submitting their names for a position covered by the RI rules for nominations and elections. Commencing at that time, candidates should be particularly careful to avoid any actions designed to publicize their names or achievements, call attention to the applicable nominations or elections, or give candidates an unfair advantage for the position.
4) The normal performance of duly-assigned Rotary activities is not considered a violation of the policies related to campaigning, canvassing, or electioneering.
5) Should a candidate become aware of any campaigning or electioneering activities undertaken on the candidate’s behalf, the candidate must immediately and in writing express disapproval to all concerned and instruct them to terminate such activity.
6) Contacting clubs to inform them to request their concurrence for a proposed challenge or election complaint is not prohibited provided such contact is limited to the exchange of factual information. (RCP 26.090.5.)
MOP - Article 10 Nominations and Elections for Officers — General Provisions
10.010. Best Qualified Rotarian.
10.020. Nominations for Officers.
10.030. Qualification.
10.040. Individuals Not Eligible for Nomination.
10.050. Election of Officers.
10.060. Campaigning, Canvassing, and Electioneering.
10.010. Best Qualified Rotarian.
The best qualified Rotarians shall be selected for service in RI’s elective offices.
10.020. Nominations for Officers.
Nominations for president, directors, and governors of RI may be made by a nominating committee and a club.
10.030. Qualification.
All candidates or nominees for offices in RI shall be members of clubs in good standing.
10.040. Individuals Not Eligible for Nomination.
10.040.1. Nominating Committee.
No member, alternate member, or candidate for membership on a nominating committee, whether elected or not, nor any candidate who is elected and subsequently resigns from such committee, nor any spouse, child, or parent of any such person, shall be eligible to be nominated for the respective office in the year in which the committee serves.
10.040.2. RI Employees.
A full-time, salaried employee of any club, district, or RI shall not be eligible to serve in any elective position in RI, excepting the office of general secretary.
10.050. Election of Officers.
The officers of RI shall be elected at the annual convention as provided in sections 6.010. and 9.120.
10.060. Campaigning, Canvassing, and Electioneering.
10.060.1. Prohibited Activities.
In order that the best qualified Rotarians shall be selected for service in RI’s elective offices, any effort to influence the selection process for an elective office in a positive or negative manner by campaigning, canvassing, electioneering or otherwise is prohibited. Rotarians shall not campaign, canvass, or electioneer for elective position in RI, or allow any such activity, either on their behalf or on behalf of another. No brochures, literature, letters, or other materials, including electronic media and communications, may be distributed or circulated by Rotarians or on their behalf to any clubs or members of clubs except as may be expressly authorized by the board. Where candidates become aware of any prohibited activities having been undertaken on their behalf, they shall immediately express their disapproval to those so engaged and shall instruct them to terminate such activity.
10.060.2. Complaints.
No complaint under this section shall be considered unless made in writing by a club. Such complaint must have the concurrence of at least five other clubs or a current officer of RI. All complaints with supporting documentation shall be filed with the general secretary no later than 21 days after the results of the balloting are announced. A president’s representative to a district, zone, or regional meeting may also initiate a complaint where sufficient evidence of violations exists. Such representative shall refer such evidence to the general secretary. The general secretary shall act upon a complaint pursuant to published procedures of the board.
10.060.3. Board Consideration.
The board shall give due consideration to such complaints. The board shall dismiss the complaint, disqualify the candidate for the elective office sought or future RI elective offices or both, or take such other action as it deems fair and just. A two-thirds vote shall be required to disqualify a candidate, such disqualification being for those RI offices and for such periods as the board shall determine. The board may take action as it deems fair and just against any Rotarians who violate subsection 10.060.1. The board’s decision shall be promptly transmitted to all parties concerned.
10.060.4. Candidate Declaration of Campaigning Provisions.
Any prescribed form used in suggesting candidates for elective office shall include a signed declaration by the candidates certifying that they have read, understand, accept, and agree to be bound by the provisions of the bylaws.
10.060.5. Completion of Election Review Procedure.
Rotarians and clubs are obligated to follow the election review procedure established in the bylaws as the exclusive method of contesting the right to an elective office or the result of a RI election. If a Rotarian candidate or a club acting on behalf of such a candidate fails to follow and complete the election review procedure, before seeking the intervention of any non-Rotary agency or other dispute resolution system, the Rotarian candidate shall be disqualified from the election in question.
MOP - Article 13 Nominations and Elections for Governors
13.010. Selection of a Governor-nominee.
13.020. Nominating Procedure for Governor.
13.030. Selection Through Ballot-by-Mail of Governor.
13.040. Ballot-by-Mail Specifications.
13.050. Certification of Governor-nominee.
13.060. Rejection or Suspension of Governor-nominee.
13.070. Special Elections.
13.010. Selection of a Governor-nominee.
The district shall select a nominee for governor not more than 36 months, but not less than 24 months, prior to the day of taking office. The board shall have the authority to extend the date under this section for good and sufficient reason. The nominee will be elected at the RI convention held immediately preceding the year in which such nominee is to be trained at the international assembly. Nominees so elected shall serve a one-year term as governor-elect and assume office on 1 July in the calendar year following election.
13.020. Nominating Procedure for Governor.
13.020.1. Method of Selection of Governor-Nominee.
Except for those districts in RIBI, a district shall select its governor-nominee either by a nominating committee procedure as hereinafter provided or by a ballot-by-mail as provided in sections 13.030. and 13.040. or, alternatively, at the district conference as provided in subsection 13.020.13., the choice of which shall be decided by a resolution adopted at a district conference by a majority of the votes of the electors of the clubs present and voting.
13.020.2. Nominating Committee for Governor.
In districts adopting a nominating committee procedure for selection of governor-nominee, the nominating committee for governor shall be charged with the duty to seek out and propose the best available candidate for governor-nominee. The terms of reference of the committee, including the method for selecting members, shall be determined in a resolution adopted by the electors of the clubs present and voting at a district conference. Such terms of reference may not be inconsistent with the bylaws.
13.020.3. Failure to Adopt Nominating Committee Procedure.
Any district which has adopted the nominating committee procedure for selection of governor-nominee but fails to select members of a nominating committee as required in subsection 13.020.2. shall utilize the five most recent past governors who are still members of a club in that district as its nominating committee. The committee so constituted shall function in accordance with section 13.020. Where five past governors are not available, the president of RI shall appoint additional suitable persons from that district so that the committee contains five members.
13.020.4. Suggestions by Clubs for Governor.
In a district selecting its governor-nominee either by nominating committee procedure or at the district conference, the governor shall invite the clubs to submit their suggestions for nominations for governor. Where the nominating committee procedure is to be utilized, such suggestions shall be considered by the nominating committee so long as they reach the committee by the date established and announced by the governor. Such announcement shall be made to the clubs in the district at least two months before such suggestions must reach the nominating committee. The announcement shall include the address to which suggestions shall be sent. The suggestions shall be submitted in the form of a resolution adopted at a regular meeting of the club naming the suggested candidate. The resolution shall be certified by the club secretary. A club may suggest only one of its own members as a candidate for governor-nominee.
13.020.5. Nomination by Committee of Best Qualified Rotarian.
The nominating committee for governor shall not be limited in its selection to those names submitted by clubs in the district. The committee shall nominate the best qualified Rotarian who is available to serve as governor.
13.020.6. Notification of Nomination.
The nominating committee shall notify the governor of the candidate selected. The governor shall then publish to the clubs of the district the name and club of the nominee.
13.020.7. Committee Inability to Select Nominee.
Where the nominating committee cannot agree upon a candidate, the governor-nominee shall be elected in a ballot-by-mail as provided in section 13.040. Alternatively, the governor-nominee may be selected from among those candidates suggested to the nominating committee at the district conference in accordance with section 15.050.
13.020.8. Challenging Candidates.
Any club in the district which has been in existence for at least one year as of the beginning of that year may also propose a challenging candidate for governor-nominee. A club in existence for less than one year as of the beginning of that year may propose a challenging candidate provided such candidate is a member of that club. The challenging candidate must have been duly suggested to the nominating committee. The name of the challenging candidate shall be submitted pursuant to a resolution by the club adopted at a regular meeting. The club must file the resolution with the governor by the date determined by the governor. Such date shall be at least two weeks after publication of the announcement of the selection for governor-nominee by the nominating committee.
13.020.9. Concurrence to Challenges.
The governor shall inform all clubs through a form prescribed by RI of the name of any challenging candidate who has been proposed as specified above. The governor shall also inquire whether any club wishes to concur with the challenge. A club must file a resolution of the club adopted at a regular meeting to concur with a challenge. Such resolutions must be filed with the governor by the date determined by the governor. Only challenges that have been concurred to by at least five other clubs which have been in existence for at least one year as of the beginning of that year or 10 percent of the total number of clubs as at the beginning of that year in the district which have been in existence for at least one year as of the beginning of that year, whichever is higher, shall be considered valid.
13.020.10. Absence of Challenging Candidate.
The governor shall declare the candidate of the district nominating committee to be the governor-nominee where no such challenging nomination has been received by the established date. Such declaration shall be made to all clubs in the district within 15 days of the deadline.
13.020.11. Challenging Nominations.
The governor shall notify all clubs in the district where a challenging nomination has been received by the deadline and continues effective for 15 days thereafter. Such notice shall include the name and qualifications of each such challenging candidate and state that such candidates will be balloted upon in a ballot-by-mail or alternatively at the district conference.
13.020.12. Failure of Challenging Nomination to Remain Effective.
Where no challenging nomination continues effective following the 15-day period, the governor shall declare the candidate of the district nominating committee as governor-nominee. The governor shall notify all clubs in the district of such nominee within 15 days.
13.020.13. Ballot at District Conference for Election of Governor-nominee.
The ballot at the district conference will follow as closely as possible the provisions for a ballot-by-mail. All votes from a club with more than one vote shall be cast for the same candidate failing which the votes from such club shall be deemed to be spoiled votes.
13.030. Selection Through Ballot-by-Mail of Governor.
A district shall select its nominee for governor in a ballot-by-mail without the assistance of a nominating committee where circumstances require such action under subsection 13.020.1. or when permission is given by the board.
13.030.1. Procedure.
The governor shall mail to the secretary of every club in the district an official call for nominations for governor. All nominations must be made in writing and signed by the president and secretary of the club. A club may suggest only one of its own members as a candidate for governor-nominee. Nominations must be in the hands of the governor by a date fixed by the governor. Such date shall be at least one month after the call for such nominations. No ballot shall be required and the governor shall declare such candidate to be the governor nominee where only one candidate is suggested by a club.
13.030.2. Club Nomination of Two or More Candidates.
Where there are two or more candidates, the governor shall notify all clubs in the district of the name and qualifications of each such candidate and that all such candidates for governor-nominee will be selected through a ballot-by-mail.
13.040. Ballot-by-Mail Specifications.
The governor shall prepare a ballot in the form provided by the board, giving the name of any candidate selected by the district nominating committee. The ballot shall then list in alphabetical order the names of any candidates received by the governor. Where there are more than two candidates, balloting shall be by the single transferable ballot system. The governor shall mail a copy of said ballot to each club with instructions that the completed ballot be returned to and received by the governor. The ballots shall be returned by a date fixed by the governor. Such date shall be no less than 15 days or more than 30 days following the date of the governor’s mailing of the ballots to the clubs. Each ballot shall represent one vote. The governor shall send each club the number of ballots corresponding to the number of votes entitled to be cast by such club.
13.040.1. Club Voting.
Each club shall be entitled to at least one vote. Any club with a membership of more than 25 shall be entitled to one additional vote for each additional 25, or major fraction thereof, of its members. Such membership shall be determined by the number of members in the club as of the date of the most recent semiannual payment preceding the date on which the vote is to be held. However, any club whose membership in RI has been suspended by the board shall not be entitled to participate in the voting. If a club is entitled to cast more than one vote, the club shall cast all votes for the same candidate. The name of the candidate for whom the club has cast its vote(s) shall be verified by the secretary and president of the club and forwarded to the governor in a sealed envelope provided therefore.
13.040.2. Balloting Committee.
The governor shall determine and announce the place, date, and time for counting of ballots and shall appoint a committee of three members to arrange a place and otherwise take charge of validating and counting the ballots. Validation of ballots shall be undertaken separately from the counting of the ballots. The committee shall make other arrangements to safeguard the secrecy of the ballots as necessary. Arrangements shall be made so that candidates or a representative of each of them may be present to observe the counting of the ballots. All sealed envelopes containing the ballots from each club shall be opened in the presence of the candidates or their representatives.
13.040.3. Majority or Tie Vote.
The candidate receiving a majority of the votes cast shall be declared governor nominee for that district. If two candidates each receive 50 percent of the votes in an election and one of the candidates is the nominee of the nominating committee, the nominee of the nominating committee shall be declared the governor nominee. If neither of the candidates is the nominee of the nominating committee, the governor shall select one of the candidates as the governor-nominee.
13.040.4. Report of Balloting Committee.
The balloting committee shall promptly report the results of the ballot to the governor as soon as a candidate receives a majority vote. The report shall contain the number of the votes cast for each candidate. The governor shall promptly notify the candidates of the results of the ballot. The balloting committee shall retain all ballots cast for a period of 15 days following the governor’s notification to the candidates. Such ballots shall be open to inspection by a representative of any club during such period. The chairman of said committee shall destroy such ballots following the 15-day period.
13.050. Certification of Governor-nominee.
The governor shall certify the name of the governor-nominee to the general secretary within ten days after such nominee has been declared the nominee.
13.060. Rejection or Suspension of Governor-nominee.
13.060.1. Failure to Meet Qualifications.
Any nominee for governor who does not meet the prescribed qualifications and requirements shall be rejected and shall not be presented by the general secretary to the convention for election.
13.060.2. Suspension of Nomination.
Notwithstanding the receipt of a signed statement from a governor-nominee, the board may suspend such nomination where it has cause to believe that the nominee would be unable to fulfill satisfactorily the duties and responsibilities of the office as provided in the bylaws. The governor and nominee shall be informed of such suspension and the nominee shall be given an opportunity to submit to the board, through the governor and the general secretary, additional information with reference to the nominee’s ability to assume the duties and responsibilities of the office of governor. The board shall consider all pertinent circumstances including such information as may be submitted by the nominee and either reject the nomination of the nominee by a two-thirds vote or withdraw the suspension.
13.060.3. Rejection of Nominee.
The general secretary shall advise the governor of the district concerned where the nomination of the nominee has been rejected by the board. The general secretary shall provide the reasons for such rejection and the governor shall so advise such nominee. Where time permits, the governor shall conduct a ballot by- mail in the district to select another nominee for governor in accordance with the provisions of the bylaws. Where a district fails to select an acceptable and qualified nominee for governor, such nominee shall be selected in accordance with section 13.070.
13.070. Special Elections.
Where a district fails to select a nominee for governor or where a nominee for such office becomes disqualified for election or otherwise becomes unable or unwilling to serve and another nominee is not selected by the district prior to the annual election of officers at the convention, the governor shall re-initiate the nominating procedures in accordance with section 13.020. Similarly, where a district’s nominee is elected at the convention, but becomes disqualified or otherwise unable or unwilling to serve at least three months prior to the international assembly, the governor shall re-initiate the nominating procedures starting with section 13.020. In either event, the board shall elect the Rotarian so nominated to serve as governor-elect. Thereafter, if a governor-elect becomes disqualified or unable or unwilling to serve the board shall elect a Rotarian qualified under section 15.070. to fill the vacancy.
