BRS INTRODUCE PROXY VOTING AT NEXT AGM
For the first time in its history, the BRS
are to introduce proxy voting at this year’s AGM, to be held at
the Pia Bella Hotel, Girne on Saturday 17th April.
The scheme follows last years vote by members, requesting such a
system be introduced, and will be in the form of a pilot scheme
to allow the committee to evaluate the practical operation of
the system, and make any operational changes that are deemed
necessary to its smooth operation in future years. The final
proxy voting system will then be introduced into the rules of
the Society at the first available opportunity.
BRS Vice-Chairman, Stephen Day said this
week, “We are determined to see that we develop the proxy voting
system in a way that further empowers the membership of the
Society, whilst at the same time protecting against any form of
abuse. The proxy voting method, and qualifying procedure being
introduced in this pilot scheme, will be reviewed after the AGM
to see what refinements can be made, and to see if it is
practicable to expand the qualifying criteria next year. Members
comments on its operation will be welcome during that process.
This scheme is all part of committee efforts to ensure our
members have the fullest possible say in the running of the BRS.
Proxy voting is not intended as an alternative for those who are
capable of attending the AGM and voting in person”.
The pilot scheme will make proxy voting
available to paid up members who will be temporarily off island,
or incapacitated in some way, for example, hospitalized or
otherwise confined. Qualifying members can apply for a proxy
vote by emailing the secretary at
info@brstrnc.com,
writing to The British Residents Society, PO Box 167, Girne, or
calling into the BRS hut behind Girne post office on Saturday
mornings. Forms will also be made available at other BRS contact
points at Pegasos, Lambousa and the Karpaz.
Both applicant and their appointed proxy
must both be paid up members of the BRS. Application must be
made 28 days before the AGM for a nominated proxy, and if
granted, the proxy registered with the secretary 14 days before
the AGM. Any member may hold only one proxy vote. Decisions on
whether a proxy voting application qualifies will be the sole
prerogative of the Chairman and his decision will be final.
Proxy voting cards will be issued to
qualifying proxy voters at the AGM itself. Appointed Proxy
voters should identify themselves when registering their
presence on the door at the AGM.
The committee ask for the patience and
understanding of members as they introduce this important
extension of democracy into the procedures of the BRS for the
first time.
