Here is an account of the way in which elections were conducted and results announced.
In all there were eight candidates for four positions. Their names are listed alphabetically and identified with the Offices for which they were candidates:
President Elect: Dr. Fazal Khan and Dr. Shahid Siddiqui
Secretary Elect: Mr. Latafath Husain and Mrs. Shenaz Khan
Treasurer Elect: Mr. Arif Ali and Mrs. Humaira Naseem
Board of Trustees: Mr. Ahsan Fazli and Dr. Wasi Siddiqui
This is the first time ever since FAAA came into existence that we had more than one candidate seeking any office, therefore, elections were conducted strictly in the manner By Laws provide. Consistent with our Constitutional requirements, candidates were asked to appear before the Councilors and tell them why they should vote for them. Candidates for the Office for President elect were given five minutes to state their case and for all other offices each candidate was asked to complete their statement within three minutes. During this session Mr. Arif Ali, candidate seeking office of the Treasurer elect, decided to withdraw in favor of Mrs. Humaira Naseem.
This meeting was conducted in the first session on Friday July 17, 2009. Elections were scheduled to take place in the late afternoon session on July 18. This gave enough time for Councilors to choose candidates they were going to vote. Dr. Masarrat Ali, out going President and Mr. Ali Rizvi, in coming President made use of High tech, so the proceeding were Broadcasted live. Congratulations to the organizers of this convention.
On July 18, we had our elections. The following procedure was put into effect:
Election Officer requested two senior Aligarians from Canada Dr. Asad Ahmed and Mr. Hafeez Khan to help him in the distribution of ballots and depositing ballots in a box.
Eight Councilors were unable to attend the convention and had sent absentee ballots. Proceeding in alphabetical order, starting with Atlanta to Washington, Election Officer called the Councilors to caste Proxy Votes first.
Dr. Wasi Siddiqui voted for Dr. Rasheed Ahmad
Dr. Abdullah voted for Mr. Siraj Muzaffar
Mr. Muzaffar Habib voted for Dr. Shaheer Khan
Mr. Muzaffar Habib voted for Mr. Aftab Umar
Mrs. Shenaz Khan voted for Mr. Qamar Khan
Mr. Saif Uddin Sheikh voted for Mr. Adil Anwar
Dr. Habib Zuberi voted for Mr. Mashkoor Siddiqui
Dr. Rahat Khan voted for Salim Shah
Dr. Fazal Khan voted for Mr. Zafar Iqbal
Rest of the Councilors, representing their associations from Atlanta to Washington voted after that.
Votes were tallied by Asad Sahab, Hafeez Khan Sahab and myself. Election results were announced:
President: Dr. Fazal Khan---------------11
Dr. Shahid Siddiqui----------21 Declared elected
Secretary: Mr. Latafat Husain -------16
Mrs. Shenaz Khan --------16
Treasurer: Ms. Humaira Naseem ----16 Declared elected
Trustee: Mr. Ahsan Fazli --------------21 Declared elected
Dr. Wasi Siddiqui ------------ 11
The two candidates for the position of Secretary received identical votes. There is no provision in the Constitution to resolve this issue. The Election Officer declined to make a decision and asked the Councilors who are the supreme body of this Federation to decide how to resolve this issue. DR. Asad-ur-Rahman moved and it was seconded that the Councilors vote again for these two candidates. This time the Proxy votes were not allowed and only 22 Councilors voted. One Councilor had left meetings, but her presence would have made no difference in the election outcome, so the results were announced. Ms. Shenaz Khan received 12 votes and Mr. Latafath Husain received 10. Ms. Shenaz Khan was declared elected.
Ms. Shenaz Khan is our Secretary Elect.
On a personal note let me state that I had reviewed material that was made available to all councilors by the candidates and I can say they are all extremely well qualified and accomplished individuals. We are fortunate to have such fine members of the Federation representing their association and willing to offer their services.
May this Federation grow stronger and prosper in the years to come. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to serve as your election officer. Khuda hafiz.
