2014 CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

Preamble:
Whereas; we recognize the richness of our culture and traditional Isoko value orientation.
We recognize the need to pass on to our children the Isoko culture and values,
We recognize the economic and political importance of the Isoko community to the modern Nigerian nation-state.
It is imperative to unite Isoko people abroad and at home for the enrichment and betterment of the Isoko community.

IN THE BELIEF that Isoko people abroad have a sacred responsibility for the development of the Isoko area, and that the Isoko Association of North America (IANA), an umbrella organization of all Isoko associations in North America was inaugurated in 2003, for that purpose.

NOW, THEREFORE, we Isoko people residing in North America do herewith proclaim the following our Constitution and Bylaws 2008 (a revision of the 2003 Constitution) this 2nd Day of December, 2008 and further amended on October 5, 2013 in Los Angeles, CA at a meeting of the Board of Trustees in consideration of a report of a committee set up to reconsider IANA’s mission, goals, purpose and objectives.

Mission:

To be a catalyst for the development of Isoko people through independent and collaborative efforts with groups, organizations, representatives of Isoko at all levels of government and individuals who share the goal of improving the lives of Isoko through education, healthcare and industry. It will continuously monitor the development efforts to ensure equitable allocation of educational, healthcare and industrial development programs and projects of Delta State government.

Goals:

• To foster unity among Isoko people

• To promote the cultural heritage of the Isoko people

• To continuously engage and challenge Isoko civic and political leaders to put Isoko interest ahead of self and political interests.

• To engage in and facilitate economic, intellectual, and cultural development of Isoko

• To support and facilitate research efforts aimed at the preservation of Isoko history and culture

• To identify, support and collaborate with other Isoko organizations in the development of Isoko land.

• To promote good citizenship and peaceful co-existence between the Isoko people and their host counterparts in North America

• To organize and raise funds at the chapter and national levels for projects that are related to improvements in education, healthcare and industry in all of Isoko

• To Act as a watchdog for equitable allocation, efficient and effective implementation of all development projects funded through Delta State government budgetary allocation to all of Isoko.

• To have a voice in Isoko political dialogue.

• To act as a pressure group and advocate for Isoko development

Strategies:

• To identify for the purpose of collaboration, groups and organizations, representatives of Isoko in government and individuals who share the goal of the development of Isoko land.

• To identify and maintain continuous dialogue with petroleum and other companies that operate in Isoko land.

• To compile and maintain a global registry of Isoko of technical expertise for continuous contact and dialogue about the continuous development of Isoko land.

• To identify and support cultural, political and civic leaders who share our goals of development of education, healthcare and industry in all of Isoko.

• To organize public forums to raise awareness of Isoko people about Delta state development budgetary allocation for Isoko.

• To appoint a homeland “Ambassador” (Representatives) to represent IANA back in Isoko.

• To promote cooperation with other Isoko Associations in other parts of the world.

• To ensure coordination of projects among IANA local Chapters to avoid duplication of efforts.

ARTICLE I — Name & Status

1.1 The name of the organization shall be Isoko Association of North America (IANA) hereinafter referred to as the Association.

1.2 The Association shall be a non-profit umbrella organization of Isoko organizations and people residing in North America and shall seek to maintain a tax-exempt status.

1.3 The Association may cooperate with other organizations here in the United States and at home in Nigeria, and overseas with similar interests, or form common cause to achieve its goals and objectives.

1.4 This Constitution may be cited as The Constitution, as amended 2008 of the Isoko Association of North America (IANA) and further amended in 201

ARTICLE II — Purpose and Objectives

The purpose and objectives of the Association shall be:

2.1 To foster unity among Isoko people

2.2 To promote the cultural heritage of the Isoko people

2.3 To promote economic, intellectual, and cultural cooperation among Isoko people

2.4 To promote research into, and publications about Isoko language, people, history and culture through the use of all available mediums.

2.5 To identify, promote, develop so as to advance the socio-economic interests of the Isoko communities.

2.6 To identify, develop, and coordinate its activities with organizations in the Isoko Area for the economic, social and progress of Isokoland.

2.8 To identify, and support other Isoko organizations in the development of Isoko communities, Delta State, and Nigeria at large.

2.9 To promote good citizenship and peaceful co-existence between the Isoko people and their host counterparts in North America.

ARTICLE III — Membership

Membership of the Association shall be open to all Isoko people by birth or marriage, or by adoption. Membership shall consist of the following categories subject to the following conditions, For the purpose of this constitution, the term Affiliate Chapter” and Chapter shall have the same meaning:

3.1 Affiliate Chapter

a) An Affiliate Chapter shall be an Isoko organization duly registered in the host state or country and admitted to this Association.

b) An Affiliate Chapter shall apply for admission to the Board of Trustees by submitting an application, which shall include a copy of its constitution or bylaws, consistent with the goals and objectives of the Association.

c) The Board of Trustees shall review the application and may invite a delegate or delegates of the applying organization for an interview.

d) Affiliate Chapter shall pay its Registration fees within ninety (90) days of admission

e) Upon admission, an Affiliate Chapter with six or more (6+) members shall pay a one-time registration fee of five hundred dollars (US$500), while an Affiliate Chapter with up to 5 (five) members shall pay a one-time fee of three hundred dollars (US$300).

f) The conditions above notwithstanding, only one Affiliate Chapter shall be admitted within a 25 miles radius of an existing Affiliate Chapter, provided the new Affiliate’s postal address is not in the same city or county.

3.2 Associate Member

a) An Associate Member shall be an individual who resides in a state where there is no affiliate chapter.

b) An Associate Member may be admitted following a written application to the Board of Trustee

c) Upon admission, an Associate Member shall pay a one-time registration fee of fifty dollars (US $50), and an annual due to be determined at the time of admission.

3.3 a) Upon admission, Affiliate Chapter and Associate members 21 years or older, shall be deemed as general members of the Association and shall be entitled to the benefits and rights listed elsewhere in this constitution.

b) The names of all such individual(s) shall be filed with the Association along with each quarterly remittance of dues as provided for under Finance elsewhere in this constitution.

c) The foregoing notwithstanding, the Board of Trustees, may fine or suspend or expel an Affiliate Chapter or Associate/individual member for either failing to meet its/his/her financial and participatory obligations or if its/his/her activities are detrimental to the good name of the Association.

3.4 The benefits of members of an Affiliate Chapter shall include,

a) The right to a copy of the Association’s constitution.

b) The right to be represented by its president or chairperson on the Board of Trustees

c) The right to make suggestions and propose projects or actions through its representative to the Board of Trustees (BOT)

d) The right to the weighted number of votes in an election according to the schedule under Article 8.2a

e) The right to participate in the Association’s activities.

3.5 The benefits of an Associate Member shall include:

a) The right to a copy of the Association’s constitution.

b) The right to participate in the Association’s activities.

c) The right to vote and be voted for, provided he/she can get at least 5 other associate members to form a caucus for the sake of voting.

3.6 A general member of the Association as defined in Article 3.3(a) shall be entitled to the following rights and privileges:

a) The privilege to attend Board of Trustee and Executive Council meetings provided that the Board and Executive Council shall reserve the right to exclude non-members of the Board of Trustees or Executive Council from certain sessions or meetings for good reason.

b) Non-members of the Board of Trustees or Executive Council attending Board/Executive meetings may speak at such meetings at the pleasure of the Board’s Chairperson but shall not have the right to vote on issues at the meeting.

3.7 a) Articles 3.4 through 3.6 notwithstanding, a general member shall be in good standing to exercise any and all of the benefits, privileges and rights.

b) An Affiliate Chapter in good standing shall mean one whose dues to the Association are paid up to date, and which participates fully in the meetings and activities of the Association,

c) A general member in good standing shall mean a general member whose dues to the local chapter are fully paid to date, AND who fully participates in the activities of his/her local chapter.

d) For the avoidance of doubt, it shall be the responsibility of individual members of an Affiliate Chapter to ensure that their local officials forward their dues to the organization promptly to ensure their individual good standing with the Association

ARTICLE IV — Association Address and Office

4.1 The official address of the Association shall be wherever the Secretary -General is resident.

4.2 Article 4.1 notwithstanding, other official addresses (of who, PG, BOT Chair, Treasurer or Financial Secretary) shall be wherever the incumbent officers are located.

4.3 The Secretary General shall inform all Chapters and Associate Members of the addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers, and other pertinent information about such officers for communication purposes.

ARTICLE V — Meetings

5.1 The General Membership of the Association shall meet at least once every two years (at the Convention.)

5.2 Article 5.1 notwithstanding, the Executive Committee and/or the Board of Trustees may call a General Membership emergency meeting at any level, if the need arises.

5.3 The Secretary-General shall notify the appropriate members of such meetings in writing at least thirty (30) days prior to such meeting, and for meetings by teleconferencing, at least fourteen (14) days prior to such teleconference.

5.4 At an emergency General Membership meetings, at least two-third (2/3) of the number of chapters, and the President-General or the Secretary-General, and at least one other officer shall constitute a quorum.

5.5 – Convention

5.5.1 a) Venue for the next convention shall be determined and made known at the biennial Convention.

b) Chapters wishing to host conventions shall make their intentions known in writing to the Secretary-General no later than a week before the convention at which the announcement is to be made.

c) Each chapter proposing to host the convention shall be given the opportunity to make a presentation before the Board of Trustees following which a determination shall be made by a simple majority vote of BOT members.

5.5.2 It shall be the responsibility of the Association to fund conventions by contributing a sum not to exceed US$10,000.00. This amount shall be subject to review at the conclusion of the convention.

a) The Association, in collaboration with the host Chapter shall set up a Convention Committee no later than January 1st of the convention year.

b) The Convention Committee shall include the President General, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, the Publicity Secretary, and at least 2 members of the hosting chapter in planning the convention.

c) The duty of the Convention Committee shall be to plan and execute the program of the Annual Convention, which shall include implementing the logistics of the convention with regard to venues, hotel and other accommodation, transportation, feeding, and the overall program of activities.

5.5.3 The business of the Annual Convention shall include:

a) A joint meeting of the Board of Trustees and Executive Council and separate meetings of the Board and Executives, if need be

b) A report on the State of the Association by the President-General

c) A report by each Chapter President/Chairperson or his/her designated representative

d) A financial Report by the Treasurer and Financial Secretary

e) A discussion of past, current and projected activities of the Association

f) A budget for the next fiscal years by the President-General in collaboration with the Treasurer

g) The election of the Executive Officers.

h) The swearing-in of the elected Officers.

i) A socia1 activity that shall include programs for children

j) Any predetermined activity to promote Isoko awareness, empowerment, progress, or culture that the Convention Committee may decide upon.

5.5.4 The Board of Trustees shall meet no less than two (2) times within a fiscal year at times convenient to its members.

a) Such meetings maybe in person or through the use of available technologies such as teleconferencing.

b) Articles 5.5.4a) notwithstanding, the Board of Trustees shall meet with the Executive Council in person or by teleconferencing at least once during a fiscal year, apart from their meeting at the bi-annual Convention,

5.5.5 The Executive Council shall meet no less than two (2) times within a fiscal year at times and place convenient to its members.

a) Such meetings may be in person or through the use of available technologies such as teleconferencing provided that at least one of such meetings shall be in person.

b) Its own meetings aside, the Executive Council shall meet with the Board of trustees in person at least once during a fiscal year, apart from their meeting at the Convention.

5.5.6 a) The Association shall strive to organize a convention of the Association with other recognized Isoko organizations and leaders in homeland every other year during the month of December.

b) The purpose of such convention shall be to discuss matters relating to Isoko development and interests.

c) At such convention, any member of the Association traveling home shall be an accredited delegate of the Association provided that such member shall inform the Executive Council and be briefed by it.

d) The Association shall provide financial support up to 50% to cover travel expenses for up to 2 (two) representatives to such a convention.

ARTICLE VI — Board of Trustees

6.1 The supreme authority of the Association shall be vested in the General Membership but shall be delegated to the Board of Trustees, (BOT), which shall be responsible to the General Membership.

a) The Board of Trustees shall be made up of the presidents or chairpersons of Affiliate Chapters, the President-General, the Secretary -General, and the Treasurer

b) The Board of Trustees shall designate one of its members as Chairperson, provided that it shall not be the President-General, the Secretary – General, or the Treasurer

c) The Secretary-General shall act as secretary at Board of Trustee meetings.

d) One third (1/3) of the members of the Board of Trustees shall constitute a quorum.

e) The President-General, the Secretary General, and the Treasurer are non-voting members.

f) Voting at Board of Trustees meetings shall be by a simple majority, according to the voting procedure outlined in Article 8.2a

6.2 The duties of the Board of Trustees shall be:

a) To formulate general policies and guidelines, and decide on projects before implementation.

b) To seek input from the General Membership through representatives on policies and projects.

c) Appoint Election Committee members (90 days prior to the convention) to conduct elections. Such appointment shall consist of one (1) member from each chapter, provided such persons shall not be a nominee or contestant.

d) Receive and approve a 2 (two) years budget from the President-General at the biennial Convention.

e) The Board of Trustees shall have the power to investigate, discipline and/or impeach elected officers if found guilty of any offense detrimental to the interest or good name of the Association, Isoko people, or in violation of the laws of the host country or community.

f) Receive, and approve or deny all applications for membership from interested chapters or associate members.

ARTICLE VII — Executive Council

7.1 The daily administration of the Association shall be entrusted to the Executive Council, who shall constitute the Officers of the Association,

a) The Executive Council shall consist of an elected President-General, Vice President-General, Secretary-General, Assistant Secretary-General, Treasurer, and a Financial Secretary. The position of Director of Research and Culture, Director of Membership & Welfare, Director of Homeland Development, and the Director of Publicity shall be by appointment.

b) The Officers shall be responsible to the Board of Trustees.

7.2 a) Elections of Officers shall be conducted at the biennial Convention

b) The term of office of the Officers shall be 2 (two) years provided that no individual shall serve more than two (2) consecutive terms.

7.3 Article 7.2b notwithstanding, an elected officer may be removed from office for reasons of incompetence, abuse of office, corruption, betrayal of the Association’s trust, withdrawal or expulsion from his/her local affiliate chapter, prolonged illness or continuous absence from North America exceeding three hundred and sixty-five (365) days, and if the officer’s chapter withdraws or is expelled from the Association. Action to remove the affected officer shall be subjected to the following process:

a) The affected officer/s shall be afforded the opportunity to defend his/herself within 60 (sixty) days before the BoT meeting, in cases other than prolonged illness or absence from North America.

b) A motion to remove an elected officer shall be presented at the BOT meeting.

c) The BoT shall hear the petition; the Officer shall be removed from office by a simple majority vote of the BoT members present as provided for elsewhere in this constitution.

ARTICLE VIII — Election

Elected Officers shall be: President General, Vice President General, Secretary General, Assistant Secretary General, Treasurer, and Financial Secretary

8.1 In accordance with the provision of Article 6.2(c), the Electoral Committee shall conduct general elections in the following manner:

a) Nominations shall be submitted in writing by the affiliate chapter from which the nominee is a member in good standing.

b) The Electoral Committee shall verify that nominees are in good standing with the Association as defined in Article 3.7.

c) All nominations shall be forwarded to the Secretary of the Electoral Committee at least sixty (60) days before the Convention

d) In the event that an affiliate chapter president or chairperson is the nominee for the post of President General, he/she shall vacate such local office within 60 days of her/his election.

e) The Secretary of the Electoral Committee shall circulate the names of nominees to all affiliate chapters at least thirty (30) days before the convention.

Voting

8.2a) For the purpose of voting at the general election and for those purposes only, each vote shall be based on the number of individuals (in each member Chapter) and weighted in multiples of five (5), in the following order:

I. 1 – 5 members shall have 1 (one) vote

II. 6 – 10 members shall have 2 (two) votes

III. 11 -15 members shall have 3 (three) votes

IV. 16 – 20 members shall have 4 (four) votes

V. 21- 25 members shall have 5 (five) votes, etc.

An Associate member shall be entitled to one vote according to the voting rights mentioned in another article in these bylaws.

b) Voting shall be by secret ballot, and the candidates for office shall be elected by a simple majority. In the event of a tie, the two nominees that tied shall be given 15 minutes to canvas for votes and then a fresh vote shall be taken until a winner is elected.

8.3 a) The Board of Trustees chairperson shall swear-in newly elected Officers at the convention.

b) The Executive Council thus constituted shall assume office at the conclusion of the convention.

c) All outgoing Officers shall handover their portfolio (all Association’s documents and files, and properties) after the swearing-in of the newly constituted Executive Committee.

ARTICLE IX — Officers and their Duties

9.1 The President-General:

a) Is the chief executive and chief spokesperson of and for the Association

b) Shall provide leadership and direction for the Association

c) Execute the decisions of the Board of Trustees.

d) Preside over all Executive Council and General Membership meetings except at a meeting summoned for a hearing on the removal of the President-General in which case the chairperson of the Board of Trustees shall preside

e) With the Treasurer, be a signatory to the Association’s account(s)

f) With the Financial Secretary and the Treasurer, present a 2 (two) years budget at the Convention

g) Appoint the Directors of Research and Culture, Publicity, Membership and Welfare, Homeland Development, and any other officer/s that he /she may deem fit in the interest of the Association)

h) Appoints the members of standing and ad hoc committees

i) Be ex-officio member of all committees except the Election Committee

j) Give a State of the Association report at the biennial Convention

k) Initiate, and or, participate in actions with leaders of other organizations in the interest of the Association; its members or Isoko communities back home.

l) It shall be the duty of the President-General to make, at least, one tour to each of the affiliate Chapters of the Association during his or her tenure (at the expense of the Association).

m) He/she shall forward a copy of his/her itinerary to reach the Chapters one month before the date of each visit.

9.2 The Vice President-General shall:

a) Assist the President-General in the day-to-day administration of the Association

b) In his/her absence, perform all the duties of the President-General

c) In the event of the President-General’s resignation, removal, incapacitation, death or absence exceeding three hundred and sixty-five (365) days, automatically become President-General until the next election.

d) Perform other duties as may be assigned by the President-General.

e) The Vice President-General and the President-General shall not come from the same affiliate chapter.

9.3 The Secretary-General shall:

a) Be the chief scribe of the Association

b) Maintain all official records and documents of the Association

c) Be responsible for all internal and external correspondences of the Association

d) Record minutes of all meetings and circulate such minutes to the appropriate group(s) no later than (30) days after the meeting

e) Perform other duties as may be assigned by the President-General.

9.4 The Assistant Secretary-General shall:

a) Assist the Secretary-General in the performance of his/her duties

b) In his/her absence, perform all the duties of the Secretary-General

c) In the event of the Secretary-General’s resignation, removal, incapacitation, death, or absence exceeding three hundred and sixty-five (365) day automatically become Secretary-General.

d) Perform other duties as may be assigned by the President-General.

9.5 The Treasurer shall:

a) Be the custodian of the Association’s finances and landed properties.

b) With the President-General, sign all checks drawn on, and disbursements from, the Association’s account(s)

9.6 The Financial Secretary shall:

a) Maintain the financial records of the Association

b) File all necessary tax-related and finance-related forms and documents

c) Provide an account of the Association’s receipts and disbursements to the Board of Trustees and the Executive Council, on a quarterly basis or when requested to do so

d) with the treasurer present a financial report to the BOT and Executive Council during the Convention.

e) With the President-General, present a 2 (two) years budget at the Convention

9.7 The Director of Research and Culture shall:

a) Coordinate educational, cultural and social activities of the organization

b) Research and institute ways for promoting and adapting Isoko culture, customs and practices to our children

c) Identify Isoko scholars and others for the purpose of conducting research into, and publishing materials on Isoko language, history and culture

d) Document events and facilitate the publication of intellectual materials on Isoko people, history, culture, and issues through all available media

e) Perform other duties as may be assigned by the President-General.

9.8 The Director of Publicity shall:

a) Be responsible for publicizing the activities of the Association through the use of all available media

b) Oversee the production and dissemination of publicity materials such newsletters, brochures and Website

c) Be the public relations officer (PRO) of the Association.

d) Report directly to and perform other duties as may be assigned by the Secretary General.

9.9 The Director of Membership and Welfare shall:

a) Seek, recruit, and champion the formation of new membership for the Association where there are enough associate members within certain miles radius.

b) Seek, and monitor the welfare of the chapters and their members and promptly alert the Executive Council where a need or opportunities arise.

c) With the President-General, visit with affiliate chapters at least once during his/her tenure.

9.10 The Director of Homeland Development shall:

a) Research and plan methods for raising funds for the Association’s programs

b) Seek contributions in cash and kind, and apply for grants from foundations, businesses and other organizations and individuals for the Association’s programs.

c) Coordinate all external charitable activities of the Association, including the shipment, clearing, and distribution of materials in cash and kind.

d) He/she is appointed by the PG and so answerable to him.

9.11 Liaison:

a) Coordinate the external charitable activities of the Association in concert with the Directors of Research, Homeland Development, and Culture and Welfare

b) Maintain a working relation with the Director of Homeland Development to facilitate the execution of homeland projects.

c) Work in concert with Nigerian NGOs for cooperative project actualization.

9.12 Patron

He or she is one who supports IANA and works together with the PG and the Executives to uphold and promote the mission, values, aims and objectives of the Association at every opportunity.

a) The Patron is accountable to the President General.

b) There shall be no more than 2 patrons in any given year.

c) The terms of the appointment shall be 2 years; subject to renewal thereafter for up to 10 years.

d) To lend credibility and high profile support to the organization, help with fundraising, and public relations.

e) A patron may be removed by resolution of a general meeting of the Executives passed by a simple majority, or by resignation.

9.13 Hand Over

Each officer of the Association shall prepare a typed hand-over note, and shall transfer all documents, correspondence, files, and any other property of the Association in his/her possession to his/her successor or to the Association no later than thirty (30) days of leaving office.

ARTICLE X — Committees

The President General shall appoint standing committee members. Each member shall serve in no more than 2 committees. The Standing Committees of the Association shall be:

10.1) The Standing Committees notwithstanding, the Executive Council may establish ad hoc committees as the needs arise.

10.2 Committee members shall maintain close consultation with one another and may meet in person, if necessary, to achieve the objectives of the committee.

ARTICLE XI — Finance

11.1 a) The fiscal and administrative year of the Association shall begin on January 1st and terminate on December 31st of each year.

b) The Association shall be funded through membership dues, contributions, donations, levies, gifts, grants and other legitimate means.

11.2 a) Each Affiliate Chapter and Associate Member shall pay dues on a quarterly or on an annual basis to the Association.

b) The amount of such dues shall be determined at the joint Board of Trustees and Executive Council meeting at the Convention for the preceding year until the next convention.

c) Such dues shall be remitted to the Treasurer and accounting ledger forwarded to the Financial Secretary on a quarterly basis

d) Article 11.3 (a) and (b) notwithstanding, the Board of Trustees may levy members for specific projects.

e) The Treasurer shall deposit all monies received into the Association’s bank account(s) within forty -eight (48) hours of receipt.

f) The Treasurer shall send to the Financial Secretary a record of disbursements from the Association’s account(s) on a quarterly basis including copies of all transactional records and canceled checks.

g) The Financial Secretary shall present financial reports at the Convention, and whenever requested by the Executive Council or the Board of Trustees.

h) Each office and standing committee shall submit a budget request to the Treasurer through the President General at least ninety (90) days before the Convention.

ARTICLE XII — Amendment Procedure

12.1 Any provision of this constitution may be amended and ratified at the Convention.

12.2 a) Such amendment shall be proposed in a written petition signed by no less than two third (2/3) of the Affiliate Chapters in good standing.

b) Such a petition shall include the wording of the proposed amendment and shall be forwarded to the Secretary-General at least ninety (90) days before the Convention.

c) The Secretary-General shall circulate such a petition to all Chapters at least sixty (60) days before the meeting of the Board of Trustees at the convention.

d) The proposed amendment after debate shall pass by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of members of the Board of Trustees present and such amendment shall be communicated to the General Membership by their representatives.

ARTICLE XIII — Dissolution

Upon the dissolution of the Association, the Board of Trustees shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all the liabilities of the Association, distribute all the assets of the Association to one or more tax exempt purposes organization within the meaning of Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to a state or local government, for a public purpose.

ADDENDA — Guidelines for the IANA Elections

1. In accordance with Article 6.2 of the Constitution an Electoral Committee shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees, (the Board), of IANA 90 days prior to the Convention. It shall consist of one member from each Chapter, provided that such person(s) shall not be a contestant or a nominee for any of the elective positions. A Chairperson for this Committee shall be approved at this meeting setting up the Committee. For the avoidance of doubt the name of the person(s) for this position shall be proposed by the President General and presented to the Board.

2. Nomination for each elective position shall be made in writing by the President of the affiliate Chapter to the Chairperson or Secretary of the Electoral Committee, as shall be designated. The nominee must be in good standing in accordance with Article 3.7 (a-d) and must be a current financial member of the nominating Chapter. This nomination shall be made at least 60 days before the Convention. Names of the nominees shall be circulated by the Electoral Committee to the Chapters at least 30 days before the Convention. Canvassing for votes begins with this publication and would continue until a candidate gives his or her speech at the Convention.

3. There will be a validation of membership and the assignment of votes at the Convention.

(a) Each Chapter President or designee shall give, in writing, a list of financial paying members to the Electoral Committee at the Convention.

(b) The list shall confirm the dues already paid to IANA for the current year.

(c) Each Chapter must be current in its dues to IANA to be able to cast its vote.

(d) Exceptions, under extraordinary circumstances, can only be made by the Board and only once to a Chapter so that it is not taken advantage of.

4. As per article 8.2(a) of the IANA Constitution each Chapter’s vote shall be based on the number of current financial members as already validated by the Electoral Committee at the Convention in the following order:

1-5 members will have 1 vote

6-10 members will have 2 votes

11-15 members will have 3 votes

And so on, in that proportion of five members per additional vote.

(a)The Electoral Committee shall not use any other method to calculate the weighted vote of each Chapter.

(b) As in the Constitution an Associate member would have 1 vote.

(c) Any new Chapter shall have the number of votes equivalent to the number of persons represented in the initial registration fee paid to IANA

(d) Votes would be cast by the President of each Chapter or by a designee of the Chapter President. The President or designee shall vote in accordance with the directives assigned by the Branch. It is in the interest of the Branches that the Presidents or designees vote their interest.

(e) The weighted votes for each Branch shall be announced before the voting begins and voting shall be open.

(f) The voting card shall have the names of candidates and against them will be boxes marked “Yes” or “No”. Chapter President or designee shall mark YES or NO for each candidate whether the candidate will be running opposed or unopposed.

(g) Voting shall take place immediately following the speeches.

(h) The Electoral Committee shall meet immediately after the vote, count and later announce the results. As provided by the Constitution a simple majority is needed for a winner.

4. Each candidate running for a position, either as opposed or unopposed, will deliver a five-minute speech to a special session of the Convention outlining his or her profile, what he or she intends to contribute to enhance the upliftment of IANA and Isoko in general and why members should vote for him or her for that position. Members would be allowed to ask each candidate a maximum of two questions. Both the questions and answers would be allocated two minutes each. No extension of time would be allowed and there will not be a penalty for using less time.

(a)There shall not be a candidate for election in absentia. If he/she is interested enough to be nominated he/she should be at the Convention to canvas for votes.

(b) There could be nominations from the floor of the Convention in case an elective position was not being contested and the person must be presented by his/her Chapter President and must be a member in good standing.

5. The Electoral Committee could issue clarifications arising from the guidelines above to enhance smooth running of elections but not in contradiction of any of the guidelines.