Proposed Amendments To The Constitution 2014

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE WBUAP CONSTITUTION

 

(For presentation at the WBUAP Mid-Term Regional General Assembly in Hong Kong from 21 – 24 November 2014).

 

  1. INTRODUCTION:

1.1. Following the announcements sent out by me as the Secretary General of WBUAP in 2013, and again in May 2014 inviting Delegates to submit amendments to the Constitution, we wish to thank those of you who have responded to the call.

 

1.2. Realising that the act of amending the Constitution is a very tedious and time-consuming exercise, and I personally think it is a poor use of precious time but an unavoidable necessity like having to go to the wash-room, your Board and Policy Council have gone through the proposals very carefully, and we have tried our best to ensure all views have been taken into consideration. In the spirit of working together for the common interest, we hope Delegates will support the proposed revision, and even agree to accept minor changes to the proposed text from the floor so that we may have a clear and easily understood document.

 

1.3. In compliance with the provisions of the Constitution as set out in Article 9, Section 1 which says:

 

“(a) This Constitution may be amended at any Assembly meeting, providing always that no fewer than two-thirds of the votes cast are in favour of the proposed amendments.

 

“(b) The Board shall place before the Assembly any amendment proposed in writing by seven or more Delegates.

 

“(c) Any proposal for a constitutional amendment must be in the hands of the Secretary General sixty days before the date of the meeting at which it is to be discussed. The exact text of any such amendment, along with the names of those submitting it, must be circulated to all voting members at least forty-five days before the meeting at which it shall be discussed, and there can be no alteration of the text at the time of the Regional General Assembly”.

 

1.4. The proposed amendments are supported by the following Delegates:

 

1.4.1. Ms. Michiko Tabata, Japan;

 

1.4.2. Mr. Sung-Jun Ha, South Korea;

 

1.4.3. Dr. Kevin Murfitt, Australia;

 

1.4.4. Mr. Monthian Buntan, Thailand;

 

1.4.5. Mr. Chong Chan-Yau, Hong Kong;

 

1.4.6. Mdm. Jasmine Khoo, Malaysia;

 

1.4.7. Ms. Martine Abel-Williamson, New Zealand;

 

1.4.8. Mr. Ivan Ho Tuck Choy, Malaysia.

 

  1. PURPOSE:

In this exercise, we intend to achieve the following objectives:

 

2.1. To re-arrange the numbering of the articles and to delete the mentioning of sub-sections. This is to shorten the document and for easy reference.

 

2.2. Where one or two words have to be changed or to follow the Constitution of WBU without affecting the meaning of the sentence, such as “visually-handicapped”, it will not be repeated every time those words appear.

 

2.3. To allow WBUAP to invite representatives from friendly organisations serving the blind from countries where the affiliated organisations are inactive. By so doing, WBUAP hopes to be able to invite and involve blind people or interested parties to join in our activities pending the resolution of matters. In this way blind people in those countries will not be deprived of such benefits.

 

2.4. To remove the requirement that the Quadrennial Regional General Assembly should be held at the venue of the WBU General Assembly.

 

2.5. To discontinue the practice of elected persons from “not assume territorial status and be considered a Delegate in his/her own right.” By so doing, it will prevent a potential source for misunderstanding when a person is no longer a Delegate but is still holding an elective position in WBUAP.

 

2.6. The authenticating of the National Delegations should be done at least one month before the WBUAP General Assembly and not at the time of the Assembly. This will avoid the awkard and unpleasant situation of having two opposing delegations lobbying for recognition when the organisers are busy with other pressing matters.

 

2.7. To insert a clause to declare the dissolution of the outgoing Board before an election takes place.

 

2.8. The Board may not be required to fill a vacancy on the Policy Council depending on the time remaining to be served. However, the vacancy of a Principal Office-Bearer must be filled if time permits.

 

The revised Constitution is reproduced in full. For easy reference, asterisks are placed before the paragraphs where amendments have been made and the original paragraphs quoted.

 

——————–

 

ARTICLE 1

Amendments: Change the numbering and delete the mentioning of sub-sections and repetitive words. Also, to reproduce Article VII of the Constisution of WBU for clarity and easy reference.

 

Rationale: To shorten the document and to do away with repetitive words.

 

(NEW FORMAT)

ARTICLE 1 – NAME, AREA OF OPERATION & HEADQUARTERS

 

  1. NAME:

 

1.1. Under the name of the World Blind Union-Asia Pacific (here and otherwise referred to as WBUAP), an association is hereby formed, under the auspices of the World Blind Union (WBU), between the representatives of organisations “of the blind” and organisations “for the blind” from those countries as defined under Article VII of the Constitution of WBU which states:

 

“(a)  The National, Grouped and Special members of the Union have been and shall continue to be formed into regional unions. Regional Unions serve as bridges between their members and the Union at world level and promote the work of the Union at regional level. The number and composition of regional unions shall be kept constantly under review by the Executive.

 

“The Executive may recommend to the Assembly a change in the number or in the geographical boundaries of the regional unions. The Assembly may accept or reject such recommendation by a simple majority vote. If the recommendation is accepted the recommended change shall take effect at the end of the Assembly.

 

“(b)  The countries to be included in each regional union shall be determined by the Executive after consultation with the regional president and (if he or she requests) other representatives of the regional union in question. The name of a regional union shall be set out in its constitution and may not be changed without its consent. In the event of a recommendation under subsection (a) above being made to the Assembly, it shall be accompanied, if appropriate, by a recommendation for a change of name, which recommendation shall be dealt with by the Assembly.

 

“(c)  Regional unions must have constitutions consistent with this Constitution and with the policies from time to time adopted under it. They shall have autonomy at regional level and on regional issues.”

 

1.2. The area of operation may be revised from time to time in accordance with Article VII of the Constitution of WBU as quoted above.

 

1.3. The headquarters of WBUAP shall be located in a place to be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors, elsewhere referred to as the Board.

 

ARTICLE 2:

Amendments: 1. Replace visually-handicapped with partially-sighted to be consistent with the Constitution of WBU where this word appears.

 

  1. Under para. 2.2.6, delete “technical and material”.

 

  1. Under para. 2.2.7 delete “within the Region” and insert “regional”.

 

Rationale: 1. To permit WBUAP to give any form of assistance to Member-Countries where required.

 

  1. WBUAP may source for help from anywhere to further its objectives and not to limit itself to within the Region.

 

(NEW):

ARTICLE 2 – PURPOSES, FUNCTIONS, DEFINITIONS AND STATUS

 

  1. PURPOSES:

 

2.1. The purposes of WBUAP shall be to work in accordance with the Constitution and By-laws of WBU and the resolutions of its general assemblies; to work towards the advancement of the well-being of blind people with the goal of equalisation of opportunities and full participation in society; to strengthen the self-awareness of blind people, to develop their self-respect and sense of responsibility and to provide a forum for the exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of blindness.

 

2.2. The functions of WBUAP shall include the following:

 

2.2.1. The progressive improvement and modernisation throughout the Region of public policies and practices governing the education, health, welfare, social security, rehabilitation, employment, sports and recreation of blind people.

 

2.2.2. The promotion of the creation and development of national organisations of blind people and organisations providing services to blind people.

 

2.2.3. The provision for the encouragement of the exchange of information and experience between all organisations whose activities relate to the goals of WBU in general, and WBUAP in particular.

 

2.2.4. The dissemination of relevant information and the promotion of enlightened attitudes on the part of the public towards blind individuals.

 

2.2.5. The encouragement, co-ordination, and conduct of research and studies in all fields of blindness.

 

* 2.2.6. The provision, promotion and co-ordination of assistance in furtherance of the aims of WBUAP in areas where such help is required.

 

(Original): The provision, promotion and co-ordination of technical and material assistance in furtherance of the aims of WBUAP in areas where such help is required.

 

* 2.2.7. To solicit the support of national governments, national, regional and international organisations to support the programmes and policies of WBUAP.

 

(Original): To solicit the support of national governments, national and international organisations within the Region to support the programmes and policies of WBUAP.

 

2.2.8. To take any other measures necessary to achieve the purposes of WBUAP.

 

2.3. As defined under Article I Section 5 of the Constitution of WBU, the following definitions shall apply:

 

* 2.3.1. The term “blindness” includes both blindness and partial sight and “blind” includes persons who are blind or partially sighted. It is understood that the term “partially sighted” also includes persons who have low vision. National Members shall be entitled by this Constitution to use their own national definition of blindness.

 

2.3.2. Organisation of blind people means an organisation representative of blind people in a particular country, having a majority of members consisting of blind persons ordinarily paying a membership fee, and having a governing body with a majority of blind and partially sighted persons, elected by the members at regular intervals. Any other organisation working in the field of blindness but which does not qualify to be an organisation of blind people shall be regarded, for the purpose of this Constitution, as an organisation for blind people.

 

2.4. WBUAP is a non-governmental and not-for-profit association and being one of the regions of WBU.

 

ARTICLE 3:

Amendments: 1. To follow closely the Constitution of WBU from Paras. 3.1 to 3.6, but change where appropriate to suit our purpose.

 

  1. Under 3.7, replace Supporters with Friends, delete “with the approval of” and insert “in consultation with”.

 

Rationale: 1. It is advisable to follow to the definition of membership in the Constitution of WBU.

 

  1. The word Supporters gives the impression that they are merely donors, but Friends will be persons who are able to join and work with us. In countries where the affiliated organisations are inactive, WBUAP may invite interested parties to join in its activities just by informing those affiliated organisations without having to wait for their approval since they are already inactive.

 

(NEW):

ARTICLE 3 – MEMBERSHIP & CLASSES

 

  1. Membership of WBUAP, as provided for under Article III, Section 1 of the Constitution of WBU, shall be open to all countries in the Asia Pacific Region, recognised as independent states by the United Nations, and shall comprise the following categories:

 

3.1. National Members: Organisations of blind and partially sighted people, which represent a country which is a member of the WBU, and which are admitted to membership by the Executive of WBU and paying the membership fee:

 

Provided that where in any country one or more organisations of blind and partially sighted people operating at national level join together with or without organisations for blind and partially sighted people to form a consortium which seeks national membership for that country.

 

3.2. Special Members: A Special Member is an organisation or organisations for blind and partially sighted people representing a country which is a Member of WBU in which there is for the time being no national organisation of blind and partially sighted people in existence. A Special Member shall be expected actively to promote the establishment of a national organisation of blind and partially sighted people in its country and its membership shall be reviewed by the Executive of WBU every four years.

 

3.3. Grouped Members: Where in a region there are countries each with a general population of less than two million people and the representatives of those countries wish to combine their membership of the Union.

 

3.4. International Members: Those international organisations invited by the Executive of WBU to become International Members and which pay the membership fee. To qualify for such membership, the organisation shall be one which promotes and co-ordinates substantial international programmes of activities for the benefit of blind and partially sighted people or for the prevention of blindness.

 

3.5. Associate Members: Any person, organisation or foundation approved by the National Member from the country in which the applicant resides.

 

3.6. Honorary Life Members: Those persons deemed to have rendered long and outstanding international service to blind and partially sighted people or in the prevention of blindness. WBU presidents, upon finishing their term as Past President, will be brought forward to the General Assembly of WBU for election as Honorary Life Member.

 

* 3.7. Friends of WBUAP: Individuals or organisations within the Region may, in consultation with the National Members and paying to WBUAP the stipulated fees, be accepted as members. Such applications shall be forwarded to the Secretary General, directly or be through the National Member.

 

(Original): Supporters of WBUAP – individuals or organisations within the Region may, with the approval of the National Members and by paying to WBUAP the stipulated fees, be accepted as members. Such applications shall be forwarded to the Secretary General, directly or through the National Member.

 

ARTICLE 4:

Amendments: 1. Under para 4.1.4, to do away with the need for a Credentials Committee to arbitrate on the proxy issue but to leave the matter to the Board.

 

  1. Under 4.2.1, to remove the requirement that the QRGA should be held at the venue of the WBU GA. Also, insert the provision that at least one-third of the Member-Countries may request for an Extraordinary General Assembly in writing”.

 

  1. Under 4.3.1 (b), also to approve the Financial Report.

 

  1. Under 4.3.1 (e) include the appointment of a Returning Officer and at least two scrutineers.

 

  1. Under 4.4.1, add the requirement that the Member-Country is in good financial standing with WBU.

 

  1. Under 4.5.4, delete the clause allowing the Board members “not to assume territorial status” which will require them to be Delegates.

 

Rationale: 1. If there were to be a dispute on the classification of delegations, it should be referred to the Board. If it cannot be resolved, the Board will seek the help of WBU which approves membership applications. In this way WBUAP is not required to form a Credentials Committee as the Constitution presently requires it to do so.

 

  1. At present the Constitution requires the QRGA to be held at the venue of the WBU GA. When amended, WBUAP will have the flexibility to hold the QRGA prior to the WBU GA either at the venue of the WBU GA or within the Region. Also, at present only the President may call for an Extraordinary Assembly. To make it more democratic, this new provision will allow one-third of the Member-countries to call for one should the need arises.

 

  1. To make provision for the Assembly to appoint the Returning Officer and two scrutineers.

 

  1. Board members should be Delegates and not a class of its own to avoid misunderstanding with the countries they come from.

 

  1. The validity of a nomination should be confirmed to the Board prior to the election.

 

(NEW):

ARTICLE 4 – THE REGIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY

 

4.1. COMPOSITION:

4.1.1. The categories of membership as stated in Article 3 and who are resident in this Region, together with the President, Vice-President, Secretary General, Treasurer, the three representatives to the Executive Committee of WBU, and the three sub-regional Chairs shall constitute the Regional General Assembly (RGA).

 

4.1.2. The Associate Members and Friends of WBUAP may attend the RGA in a consultative capacity.

 

4.1.3. Observers may attend the RGA with the permission of the National Delegations and the President.

 

* 4.1.4. Delegates to the RGA shall consist of persons whose names are on the Secretary General’s membership list sixty days prior to the RGA except in cases of illness, emergency or admission of new members to WBUAP. A Delegate unable to attend the RGA may give his/her proxy to another Delegate from the same country. Written notice of such a proxy must ordinarily be given to the Secretary General before it is exercised. In the event of an emergency, and with the permission of the President, a proxy may be accepted by the Board prior to it being exercised. In appropriate cases, the Board may propose variations to this procedure. Any National Member may question the validity of a proxy given by one of its Delegates by written communication to the Secretary General, whereupon the Board shall arbitrate on the matter, having regard to the aim of this Constitution to ensure equal participation by organisation of blind people in the affairs of WBUAP.

 

(Original): Delegates to the Regional General Assembly shall consist of persons whose names are on the Secretary General’s membership list sixty days prior to the opening of the Regional General Assembly except in cases of illness, emergency or admission of new members to WBUAP. A Delegate unable to attend the Regional General Assembly may give his/her proxy to another Delegate from the same country. Written notice of such a proxy must ordinarily be given to the Secretary General before the meeting at which it will be exercised. In the event of an emergency, and with the permission of the President, a proxy may be accepted by the Credentials Committee prior to it being exercised. In appropriate cases, the Credentials Committee may propose variations to this procedure. Any National Member may question the validity of a proxy given by one of its DELEGATES by written communication to the Secretary General, whereupon the Credentials Committee shall arbitrate on the matter, having

regard to the aim of this Constitution to ensure equal participation by organisation of blind people in the affairs of WBUAP.

 

4.2. PROCEDURE

* 4.2.1. There may be Ordinary or Extraordinary RGA’s. Two Ordinary RGA’s of WBUAP shall be held, one midway referred to as the Mid-Term Regional General Assembly (MRGA), and the other referred to as the Quadrennial Regional General Assembly (QRGA), shall be held before the close of the General Assembly of WBU. Extraordinary RGA’s may be convened at any time by the President when such needs arise, or when requested by one-third of the Member-Countries in writing.

 

(Original) There may be Ordinary or Extraordinary meetings of the Regional General Assembly. Two Ordinary Regional General Assemblies of WBUAP shall be held, one midway between the General Assemblies of WBU and the other, referred to as the Quadrennial Regional General Assembly (QRGA), shall be held at the venue of the General Assembly of WBU. Extraordinary meetings may be convened at any time by the President when such needs arise.

 

4.2.2. In exceptional cases, the Board may approve travel and maintenance expenses subject to the availability of resources.

 

4.2.3. The President shall instruct the Secretary General to send out the notice of assemblies ninety days in advance of its sitting.

 

4.3. FUNCTIONS

4.3.1. The Regional General Assembly (RGA) is the sovereign body of the World blind Union-Asia Pacific (WBUAP) and it shall determine the general policies to be adopted towards achieving its purposes. The functions of the RGA shall include the following:

 

(a) To consider and decide on all recommendations submitted by the Board and the Policy Council.

 

* (b) To receive and consider the reports on the work of the Board, Policy Council, committees, and to approve the Financial Report.

 

(Original): To receive and consider the reports on the work of the Board of Directors, Policy Council and committees.

 

(c) To elect the Board of Directors.

 

(d) To consider proposals and resolutions submitted by members including amendments to the Constitution. Such proposals or resolutions should reach the Secretary General sixty days prior to the RGA and he/she shall circulate such documents to the members forty-five days prior to the Assembly.

 

* (e) To take any other measures necessary to ensure the smooth running of the Assembly and in achieving the purposes of WBUAP, including the appointment of a Returning Officer and at least two scrutineers.

 

(Original): To take any other measures necessary or conducive to achieving the purposes of WBUAP.

 

4.4. VOTING

* 4.4.1. National, Grouped, Special, International and Honorary Life Members shall each be entitled to one vote at the RGA provided that the members with the right to vote are in good financial standing with WBU. Associate Members and Friends of WBUAP shall have the right to speak but shall not be entitled to vote.

 

(Original): National, Grouped, Special, International and Honorary Life Members shall each be entitled to one vote per delegate at the Regional General Assembly. Associate Members and Supporters of WBUAP shall have the right to speak but shall not be entitled to vote.

 

4.4.2. As stipulated under Article IV, Section 4 (b) of the Constitution of WBU, each National Member shall be entitled to two Delegates if its population is below 20 million people, four Delegates if its population is between 20 and 40 million people, six Delegates if its population is between 40 and 100 million people, eight Delegates if its population is between 100 and 250 million people, and ten Delegates if its population exceeds 250 million people.

 

4.4.3. Each Special Member shall be entitled to one half of the Delegates to the Assembly available to a NATIONAL MEMBER with the same population.

 

4.4.4. Each International Member shall be entitled to one Delegate to the Assembly.

 

* 4.4.5. A Delegate shall be a member of the organisation appointing him or her to WBU.

 

(Original): The President, Secretary General, the Treasurer and the three representatives to the Executive of WBU shall not assume territorial status and be entitled to one vote each.

 

4.4.6. All questions shall be decided by a simple majority vote except for constitutional amendments and proposals for dissolution of WBUAP.

 

4.4.7. Voting may be by acclamation (viva voce), by roll-call, by show of hands or, if 20 percent or more of the Delegates present so demand, by secret ballot. At elections when there are more than one candidate, voting shall always be by secret ballot.

 

4.4.8. The Board may invoke a vote between assemblies, by electronic or by regular post, of all registered voting members to resolve questions which it believes is outside its mandate or beyond its capacity to decide.

 

4.4.9. A quorum shall consist of a majority of Delegates registered for the Assembly.

 

4.5 DELEGATIONS OF MEMBER-COUNTRIES

4.5.1. At least one half of the Delegates in each National Member’s delegation to the Assembly shall represent recognised National Organisations of Blind People.

 

4.5.2. At least one half of the Delegates in each National Member’s delegation present at the Assembly must be representative of Organisations of Blind People unless special circumstances satisfactory to the Board prevent that from happening.

 

* 4.5.3. If a country cannot agree on whether an organisation should be regarded as a recognised National Organisation of the Blind or on the composition of its delegation to the Assembly, it shall be referred to WBU for help.

 

(Original): If a country cannot agree on whether an organisation should be regarded as a recognised National Organisation of the Blind or on the composition of its delegation to the Assembly, it shall be referred to the Credentials Committee for help.

 

ARTICLE 5

Amendments: 1. Remove the restriction of only having five other representatives apart from the Board for forming the Policy Council.

 

  1. Spell out the starting and ending of the elected term.

 

  1. Remove the restriction of only inviting three persons with expertise to a Council meeting.

 

  1. Allow the Delegates to fill the vacancies of Principal Office-Bearers, and the Board to fill the vacancies on the Policy Council unless the period is less than six months.

 

  1. Allow the holding of joint meetings of the Board and Policy Council to conserve time and resources.

 

  1. Allow a majority of the Council members to request for an Extraordinary Council Meeting.

 

Rationale: 1. By removing the restriction on the number of persons serving on the Council, it will allow the appointment of Chairs from more countries to serve, thereby having more ideas and wider spread of countries.

 

  1. Although it is commonly understood that an elective office ends before an election, by clearly stating it, it will not be misinterpreted.

 

  1. Not to restrict ourselves from inviting only three persons with expertise to attend a Council meeting should the need so requires it.

 

  1. Allow the Delegates through the electronic medium to fill the vacancies of Principal Office-Bearer since they were the ones who elected them at the Assembly. The new provision will also allow the Board to leave other positions vacant if the remaining period of the term is six months or less.

 

  1. A new provision will allow the Board and Policy Council to hold joint meetings to conserve resources.

 

  1. At present only the President can call for an Extraordinary Council Meeting. The new provision will allow a majority of the members also to call for one.

 

(NEW):

ARTICLE 5 – THE POLICY COUNCIL

 

5.1. COMPOSITION

5.1.1. The Policy Council (referred to as the Council), shall be composed of the following categories of office-bearers/representatives:

 

(a) The Principal Office-Bearers, namely, the President, the Vice-President, Secretary General and the Treasurer;

 

(b) Three representatives to the Executive of WBU;

 

(c) Three sub-regional Chairs;

 

* (d) An appropriate number of representatives who may be from any classes of members listed in Article 3 of this Constitution, and who would normally be Chairs of committees appointed by the Board.

 

(ORIGINAL): Five representatives, who may be from any of the classes of members listed in Article 3, Section 1 of this Constitution, and who would normally be Chairs of the committees appointed by the Board of Directors.

 

5.1.2. All members of the Council shall be elected or appointed at the RGA in the following manner:

 

(a) The four Principal Office-Bearers and the three representatives to the Executive of WBU, constituting the Board, shall be elected by the Assembly.

 

(b) Three sub-regional chairs shall be elected at the time of the Assembly by the countries within the three respective sub-regions namely, East Asia, Pacific  Oceania and South-East Asia.

 

* (c) An appropriate number of representatives, shall immediately after the Assembly, be appointed by the Board.

 

(Original): Category (IV) shall immediately after the Assembly, be appointed by the Board of Directors.

 

* 5.1.3. Members of the Council shall serve for a term of four years, starting at the close of one QRGA where elections are to be held and finishing prior to the elections taking place at the next QRGA. However, they are to give their full co-operation to the incoming Board when requested to ensure a smooth transfer of duties.

 

(Original): Members of the Council shall serve for a term of four years, starting at the close of one Quadrennial Regional General Assembly and finishing at the close of the next Quadrennial Regional General Assembly.

 

* 5.1.4. The President, in consultation with the Council members, may invite persons with special expertise to be present at Council meetings from time to time.

 

(Original): The President may invite persons with special expertise to be present at Council meetings from time to time. The number of such persons shall not exceed three at any given time.

 

* 5.1.5. If a vacancy occurs among the members of the Council, it shall be filled by the Board, if necessary, through the ballot by the electronic medium taking into account the nature of the Council’s composition. However, the Board may decide not to fill the vacancy if the period remaining is six months or less. If the vacancy is among the Principal Office-Bearers, it shall be filled by the Delegates through the ballot by the electronic medium unless due to limited time factor. The person assuming the vacancy shall serve the remaining period of the vacated position.

 

(Original): If a vacancy occurs among the members of the Council, it shall be filled by the Board of Directors, if necessary, by postal ballot and taking into account the nature of the Council’s composition. The person assuming that vacancy shall serve the remaining period of the vacated position.

 

5.2. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS

5.2.1. The Council shall provide policy advice to the Board between RGA’s.  The Council may report to the following RGA on any failure by the Board to implement the policies determined by the RGA’s.

 

* (New provision): 5.2.2. The Council and the Board may hold joint meetings should it be expedient to conserve time and resources.

 

5.3. VOTING

5.3.1. Each member of the Council is entitled to one vote. In the event of a tied vote, the President may exercise a casting vote.

 

5.3.2. All decisions of the Council shall be decided by a simple majority of the votes cast.

 

5.4. MEETINGS

5.4.1. Meetings of the Council shall be ordinary or extraordinary. Extraordinary meetings may be called at any time by the President or, if requested by a majority of its members. One meeting of the Council shall be held between the RGA’s and another at the discretion of the President.

 

5.4.2. Subject to the availability of funds, the travel and maintenance costs of Council members when attending meetings may be met in whole or part by WBUAP.

 

5.4.3. The quorum for Council or joint Board and Council meetings shall be a majority of its members.

 

Article 6

Amendments: 1. The candidates contesting for the positions of President and Vice-President must be blind or partially sighted persons.

 

  1. Remove the clause allowing the Board members “not to assume territorial status” but require them to be Delegates from the countries where they come from.

 

  1. Nominations to the Board must be supported by a majority of the National Delegation and be confirmed to the Secretary General.

 

  1. Vacancies on the Board to be filled by the general membership.

 

  1. Allow the Board to hold joint meetings with the Policy Council.

 

Rationale:  1. The requirement for the two top positions to be contested by blind or partially sighted persons is in compliance with the Constitution of WBU.

 

  1. Candidates contesting for positions on the Board must be Delegates and must be supported by a majority from the NATIONAL Delegation to avoid misunderstanding between WBUAP and the countries where they come from.

 

  1. Allow the general membership to fill the vacancies on the Board as they were the ones who elected them in the first place.

 

  1. Allow the Board to hold joint meetings with the Policy Council to conserve time and resources, but on matters under the purview of the Board, voting shall always be confined to the Board Members as the others are not elected by the general membership.

 

(NEW):

ARTICLE 6 – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

6.1. COMPOSITION

 

* 6.1.1. The Board of Directors (referred to as the Board), shall comprise the President, Vice-President, Secretary General, Treasurer and the three representatives to the Executive of WBU. In compliance with Article IV, Section 6 of the Constitution of WBU, to be eligible for nomination for the positions of President or Vice-president in WBUAP, the candidates must be blind or partially sighted persons as defined under Article 2.3.1 of the WBUAP Constitution.

 

(Original): The Board of Directors (here and otherwise referred to as the Board), shall be composed of the President, Vice-President, Secretary General, Treasurer and the three representatives to the Executive of WBU.

 

* 6.1.2. To be valid, a nomination of a candidate must be supported in writing by a majority of the National Delegation from the country in which the candidate resides and forwarded to the Secretary General no later than sixty days prior to the Assembly. In exceptional cases, the Assembly may make variations to the process of the election.

 

(Original): Members of the Board shall not hold territorial status during their terms of office but shall be given the status of a Delegate in their own right and, if they were National Delegates to the Assembly which elected them, their seats may be filled in the normal way.

 

6.1.3. All members of the Board are eligible for re-election except for the President who shall be permitted to contest for two consecutive terms. However, he or she may contest after a lapse of one term.

 

* 6.1.4. If a vacancy occurs among the members of the Board, it shall be filled by the general membership through voting by the electronic medium. The person elected shall serve the remaining period of that term of office.

 

(Original): If a vacancy occurs among the members of the Board, it shall be filled by the Board, if necessary by postal ballot, and taking into account the nature of the Board’s composition. The person elected shall serve for the remaining term of that office.

 

6.2. FUNCTIONS

* 6.2.1. The Board shall be the principal administrative organ of WBUAP. It shall have power of decision and be directly responsible to the Assembly for interpreting and carrying out the general policies agreed upon by the Assembly for the administration, management, and control of the affairs and property of WBUAP. In so doing, it shall have the authority to take all necessary actions not specifically reserved to the Assembly, including holding joint meetings with the Policy Council. However, at such joint meetings when voting is necessary to deal with matters under the purview of the Board, it shall be confined to the Board Members only.

 

(Original): The Board shall be the principal administrative organ of WBUAP. It shall have power of decision and be directly responsible to the Assembly for interpreting and carrying out the general policies agreed upon by the Assembly for the administration, management, and control of the affairs and property of WBUAP. In so doing, it shall have the authority to take all necessary actions not specifically reserved to the Assembly.

 

6.2.2. The Board, in consultation with the countries in the sub-regions, shall recommend to the Assembly the number and any change in the composition of sub-regions. The sub-regions shall initially be: East Asia, the Pacific Oceania, and South-East Asia.

 

6.2.3. The Board shall meet whenever the President deems it necessary or at the request of a majority of their number, including a Joint Board and Policy Council meeting. Should it be necessary to obtain a solution to an urgent issue, the President may use the postal ballot, teleconferencing or any appropriate means but such decisions must be reported at the next meeting.

 

6.2.4. The President shall preside over the meetings of the Assembly, the Council and the Board and shall represent WBUAP. The President shall, together with the three representatives to the Executive of WBU, attend meetings of WBU and he/she shall assume such powers which may properly be assigned by the Board or RGA.

 

6.2.5. The Vice-President shall assist the President and deputise when the President is unavailable. The Vice-President shall assume the presidency in the event of a vacancy in that office, and shall serve as President for the remaining term of office.

 

6.2.6. The Treasurer shall be responsible for keeping the financial records of WBUAP and shall prepare the budget for consideration by the Board. He/she shall present such reports to the Board and RGA. He/she shall be accountable to the Board and shall perform all duties pertaining to his/her office.

 

6.2.7. The Secretary General shall be responsible for keeping the proper records of WBUAP other than those under the charge of the Treasurer. He/she shall take down minutes of the Board, Council and the RGA and circulate such minutes under the direction of the Board. He/she shall be accountable to the Board and shall perform all duties pertaining to his/her office.

 

6.2.8. The representatives to the Executive and other committees of WBU shall submit written reports to the Board and RGA on their participation.

 

(NO AMENDMENTS):

ARTICLE 7 – COMMITTEES

7.1. APPOINTMENTS & REPORTING

 

7.1.1. The Board shall regularly review the structure and functions of committees, but will generally follow the structure adopted at the time by WBU.

 

7.1.2. The Board shall appoint Chairpersons of committees who shall be members of the Policy Council.

 

7.1.3. The Chairpersons may, subject to the approval of the President, form sub-committees to cover specific fields or tasks within the scope of their committees’ functions.

 

7.1.4. All committees shall provide regular reports to the Board and the Council, and shall provide a written report to every RGA.

 

ARTICLE 8

Amendment: Under 8.6, to have the audited statement sent to members 45 days before the Assembly.

 

Rationale: This is to ensure the audited statement will be in the hands of members well before the Assembly.

 

(NEW):

ARTICLE 8 – FINANCE & MEMBERSHIP Fees

 

8.1. The financial year of WBUAP shall run from 1st January to 31st December.

 

8.2. The membership fees of Friends of WBUAP shall be payable within the first half of the year. A Friend of WBUAP whose annual fee has not been paid during the financial year may be declared by the Board to have forfeited membership. In the event of the Board making such an order, the Friend of WBUAP shall have the right to appeal to the Council.

 

8.3. The Board shall not expend funds which it does not hold. All monies not in immediate use shall be deposited in an approved bank account or be invested in recognised financial instruments.

 

8.4. The Board shall insure that proper financial records are kept and that accepted accounting practices are followed. Accounts books and all supporting documents shall be held at the office of the Treasurer and shall be available for inspection by members of the Board and Council.

 

8.5. All financial records must be audited each year by a qualified auditor, following which the audit certificate shall be tabled at the next Board meeting and then presented to the Council and Assembly.

 

* 8.6. An audited statement showing the financial position of WBUAP shall be sent to all members forty-five days before the RGA.

 

(Original): An audited statement showing the financial position of WBUAP shall be sent to all members within six months of the end of each financial year.

 

ARTICLE 9

Amendment: Under 9.1.3, to allow the Assembly to make alteration to the draft amendments.

 

Rationale: Alterations to the draft should be permitted if two-thirds of the membership request for it. Presently no alteration can be made to the text.

 

(NEW):

ARTICLE 9 – AMENDMENT & DISSOLUTION

 

9.1. AMENDMENT:

9.1.1. This Constitution may be amended at any RGA provided always that no fewer than two-thirds of the votes cast are in favour of the proposed amendments.

 

9.1.2. The Board shall place before the Assembly any amendment proposed in writing by seven or more Delegates.

 

* 9.1.3. Any proposal for a constitutional amendment must be in the hands of the Secretary General sixty days before the Assembly at which it is to be discussed. The exact text of any such amendment, along with the names of those submitting it, must be circulated to all voting members at least forty-five days before the Assembly. There can be no alteration to the text at the RGA unless requested by two-thirds of the voting members.

 

(Original): Any proposal for a constitutional amendment must be in the hands of the Secretary General 60 days before the date of the meeting at which it is to be discussed. The exact text of any such amendment, along with the names of those submitting it, must be circulated to all voting members at least 45 days before the meeting at which it shall be discussed. There can be no alteration of the text at the time of the Regional General Assembly.

 

9.2. DISSOLUTION

9.2.1. If at any time a dissolution of WBUAP should prove necessary or desirable, this may be done according to the procedure laid down for amendments to this Constitution except that such proceedings must be initiated by the Executive of WBU or by nine Member-Countries covering the three sub-regions of WBUAP.

 

9.2.2. In the event of dissolution, any funds or other assets owned by WBUAP shall be administered by WBU taking into consideration the wishes expressed by the Assembly of WBUAP.

 

THE END.