SAPO Election 2026
SAPO Election Policy, Governance Framework & Code of Conduct
1. Purpose and Objectives
• Establish a transparent, fair, democratic, and professional election process.
• Promote accountability, professionalism, ethical leadership, and member participation.
• Protect the integrity and reputation of SAPO throughout the election cycle.
2. Election Authority
• An independent Election Committee shall supervise and manage the election process.
• The committee shall announce election schedules, verify eligibility, manage nominations, conduct voting, verify results, and resolve election-related concerns.
• Committee members must remain neutral and shall not contest elections during the same cycle.
3. Positions
• President
• Vice President
• General Secretary
• Information Secretary
• Treasurer
• Student Affairs Secretary
4. Eligibility for Voting
• Must be a registered and active SAPO member.
• Membership dues must be cleared before the announced deadline.
• Must comply with SAPO ethics, rules, and policies.
5. Eligibility for Contesting Elections
• Must be an active SAPO member belonging to the Prosthetics & Orthotics profession.
• Must maintain good professional and ethical standing.
• Must not hold executive or representative positions in other O&P associations or educational institutions that may create conflicts of interest.
• Must contest only one position during an election cycle.
• Must submit complete nomination documents before the deadline.
6. Nomination Process
• Nominations must be submitted within the announced timeline.
• Incomplete, false, or late submissions may be rejected.
• Candidates may withdraw before the official withdrawal deadline.
7. Campaigning and Code of Conduct
• Candidates shall conduct themselves with professionalism, honesty, and respect.
• Personal attacks, defamation, harassment, misinformation, coercion, intimidation, bribery, and vote buying are prohibited.
• Campaign materials must be factual, professional, and approved by the Election Committee before distribution.
• Association resources, branding, funds, staff, or mailing lists may not be used for personal campaigning.
8. Social Media Guidelines
• All election-related content must be respectful, factual, and professional.
• Negative targeting of candidates or members is prohibited.
• Private messages, screenshots, and internal communications must not be shared publicly.
• Campaign content must clearly reflect personal views and not official SAPO positions.
9. Voting Framework
• All positions shall be contested through a formal voting process.
• One member is entitled to one vote per position.
• Voting may be conducted physically, online, or through a hybrid model.
• Secret ballot principles shall be maintained to ensure confidentiality.
10. Election Integrity and Oversight
• Independent observers may monitor the election process.
• Each candidate may nominate up to two scrutineers, subject to approval.
• Any tampering with voting processes may result in immediate disqualification.
11. Results, Tie-Breaking and Re-Elections
• Official results shall include total votes cast and votes received by each candidate.
• In the event of a tie, a re-vote or transparent draw may be conducted.
• Where a sole candidate fails to achieve the required threshold, the position may be declared vacant and re-election conducted.
12. Complaints and Appeals
• Complaints must be submitted in writing within the specified timeframe and include supporting evidence where possible.
• Appeals related to nominations, disqualifications, or election disputes shall be reviewed fairly and impartially.
13. Elected Members and Conflict of Interest
• Elected members must formally accept their role in writing.
• A No Conflict of Interest Declaration shall be signed before assuming office.
• Members are expected to serve their full term unless exceptional circumstances arise.
14. Voter Guidelines
• Election communications will be sent through registered contact details.
• Each voter is responsible for maintaining access to their registered email/login credentials.
• The voting platform will operate on a one-voter, one-account, one-vote principle.
15. General Principles
• Transparency
• Accountability
• Professionalism
• Neutrality
• Inclusiveness
• Democratic Participation
• Respect for Diversity
