Buenos Aires, Argentina - IUCN

Decision 571
Decision 572
election as the next President of IUCN the name recommended by Council, Dr
Jay Hair.
It was then agreed by acclamation that the statement Dr Hair had circulated
to delegates be read into the record. (It is presented here as Annex 11.)
Some delegates then proposed that the election of Dr Hair continue, whereas
others asked for the election to be postponed. Yet others emphasized the
need to avoid this situation ever recurring.
In the discussion that followed, it was pointed out that a candidate needs
over half of the votes among both Category A and Category B members to be
appointed as President. It was, therefore, quite possible for members to reject
the single candidate before them in the ballot.
The Election Officer explained that due to the statutory position the election
could not be stopped. However, he announced that the voting could continue
until half an hour after the present Sitting ended.
Dr Hair expressed his regret about the divisiveness of the election. Just as a
muddy river tells of erosion removing life from the earth, so divisive action
takes life from the Union. He looked forward to a time when people would be
judged by their commitment to the environment, rather than their country of
origin or residency. The important issue was to give the Council a clear
mandate for the reforms needed. If elected as President, he would be guided
by principles of fairness, freedom and change, as well as openness and transparency.
On a point of order, the Africa Resources Trust (Zimbabwe) moved that the
Assembly proceed with the election. After this had been seconded, the motion
was carried on a show of a voting cards and the election continued.
A ballot was therefore held for all elected posts. In the 105th Session the
Election Officer gave the results of the election but, after a recount, he announced
two changes to the list of Regional Councillors. He thanked all those
who had helped with the election and apologised for the initial error. He
recommended that in future 24 hours be allowed between the close of the
elections and the announcement of the results and that the votes be counted at
least twice.
The final results of the election are as follows:
(a) President
Dr Jay Hair (USA)
Because of the exceptional circumstances, the Election Officer departed
from precedent by announcing the votes cast, as follows:
For Against Abstain
Category A 87 28 22
Category B 272 47 36
(b) Treasurer
Don Person (Switzerland)
26 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 19TH SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY