McDowall defies online elections call, stands by in-person poll on July 15

Seemingly unfazed by threats of a motion of no confidence against him, National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) president Akanni McDowall was Wednesday stoutly defending the decision to stick with in-person voting for the NUPW’s July 15 elections.

He charged that those behind the move failed to follow procedure and had now resorted to pointing fingers in the wrong direction.

NUPW National Council member Michelle Cave has accused McDowall of blatantly opposing proposals to hold the elections online despite concerns raised by members in light of the COVID-19 pandemic at last Saturday’s Annual General Meeting.

But McDowell told Barbados TODAY Wednesday there is an established process for matters to be brought before the conference that is clearly outlined in the union’s constitution.

He said holding elections online would require a change in the constitution under Rule 16(ix) which states that “polling shall be by ballot on official ballot papers”.

He argued that the proponents of online voting had ample time – approximately two months – to submit their case to the conference but had neglected to do so.

McDowall declared: “It needs to be submitted in this way because changing the constitution of the union requires a 2/3 majority vote by members at conference (Rule 7d (i) Resolutions, Motions, Questions and Other Business for discussion at General Conference must reach the General Secretary not later than 14 days before the date of General Conference). Once again they failed to follow the process and now they are trying to blame others for their misstep.”

Cave, who has declared her intention to contest the post of vice president, has touted the Elections Runner App as a secure and cost-effective way to conduct the elections. But McDowall made clear that it was not a simple issue especially with nothing in place to guarantee a fair and transparent process.

He told Barbados TODAY: “The issue of conducting elections via email is too serious a matter to be mired in posturing and irrational action. It deserves clear, concise thought and examination.

“The reality at this time is that the union simply does not have the capacity or systems in place to conduct voting by email  It is impossible to monitor who voted and how many times a vote was cast. This is why the election committee agreed that the matter should be deferred for future elections.”

McDowall also rejected suggestions that he was ‘playing games’ insisting that he has always sought to ensure the health and safety of members.

“That is why the union under my executive played a pivotal role in initiating the flexible working arrangements policy for public servants.” the NUPW leader said. “That is why we represented the staff all across the public service including the NIS, NHC, Prison Service, immigration department and BRA as related health matters arose in the context of the current pandemic. As president, I have always been and remain committed to the health and safety of our membership, not only at the conference, not only during the union’s election campaigns but at all times”

He maintained that the union will ensure that proper systems are in place so that elections can be conducted safely and smoothly, with all pandemic protocols observed. (sandydeane@barbadostoday.bb)