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