Independent investigator rules BCNU election results should stand
While recommending improvements in the administration of future elections, Rod Germaine compliments staff for doing their best to ensure a fair and impartial process
The independent investigator inquiring into the administration of BCNU's 2010 provincial election says the results should stand.
In a 60-page report received and accepted by BCNU Council yesterday, mediator Rod Germaine concluded that any problems that may have occurred in the election process did not affect the results or undermine "constitutional, policy-based and general legal principles of democracy".
Among his central findings and recommendations:
"The difficulties with the membership data base are not new and, in fact, were proportionately less extensive than in past elections. The same difficulties would affect another election in any event.
"The need for an independent authority to administer elections does not invalidate the 2010 elections because, contrary to the concerns and suspicions, there is no evidence of BCNU staff interference with the process. In fact, BCNU staff is to be commended for striving to administer a fair process.
"The election therefore met constitutional, policy-based and general legal principles of democracy. The election results should stand."
In his report, Germaine presents a thorough and exhaustive examination and evaluation of how BCNU ran the May 2010 vote and makes suggestions for improvements.
He suggests the Nominations Committee – which is now chaired by a member of Council – should become the independent authority exclusively responsible for administering elections.
"The Committee should be composed of members who are recognized for or committed to complete independence in relation to provincial elections. To achieve this, any BCNU member holding an office above Steward should be disqualified from membership on the Committee."
Read a summary of findings and recommendations
Read the complete report
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