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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Hi All<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>The voting for a new co-coordinator of IGC to replace Vittorio
will take place through a web based system between 10<sup>th</sup> and 17<sup>th</sup>
August. The result will be announced on the 19<sup>th</sup>.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>The two candidates are David Goldstein and Ian Peter, whom I
thank for volunteering for this important organizational responsibility. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>The voting will be conducted by me, as directed by the
charter (<a href="http://www.igcaucus.org/IGC-charter_final-061014.html">http://www.igcaucus.org/IGC-charter_final-061014.html</a>
), with the help of Derrick Cogburn of Syracuse University who has offered the software
he has earlier used for GigaNet elections, and also to administer the voting
process. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Each person subscribed to the governance list as on June 7<sup>th</sup>
2008 ( i.e. two months prior to the start of the election process) will be sent
an email with information on the voting process, conditions etc along with a
unique web-link that takes the person to a secure website. The list subscriber
will then be given the option to affirm/ accept membership of the caucus by
subscribing to the charter (as per the charter’s provisions for the
voting process). On such positive affirmation, the person will be taken to the
ballot page where the vote can be cast by ticking against one of the two
candidates. A ‘none of the above’ option will also be available. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>A vote once cast cannot be changed. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>While we strongly encourage everyone to vote as a sign of ones
active engagement with the caucus, voting is not compulsory for retaining
caucus membership, i.e. if one is already on the caucus members list ( see <a
href="http://www.igcaucus.org/members-080721.html">www.igcaucus.org/members-080721.html</a>
). However, it is important to note that, as per the charter’s provisions
on charter amendments, one has to have voted in the previous election to be able
to vote at any charter amendment process. Therefore, to have voting rights in any
charter amendment process (but not for any other voting process) that may come
before the next election, one HAS to vote in this election.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>As per the charter, all voting will be open, unless
specifically declared to be secret, for which reason(s) have to be stated. I
declare that the present voting will be secret. The reason for this is that the
process involves individuals making a choice between two colleague individuals
and that has the likelihood of leaving an avoidable trace on inter-personal relationships
in the group. Moreover, in my opinion, there is no special imperatives of
transparency and openness, in this case, which will be met by an open vote. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>The voting process is completely anonymous, no names are
associated with the voting. The IP address is captured and stored in a
database, but is not accessed by the voting process administrator (Derrick). Derrick,
but not I, will be able to see the aggregated results as they come in, However,
to repeat, no one will be able to see or know any voter’s specific voting
choice.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Derrick will technically be able to access information on whether
anyone has cast one’s vote or not. This information will however not
actually be accessed during the process<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>At the end of the process, on the 19<sup>th</sup>, along
with the result, a list of voters will be published. Those among them who are
not currently on the members’ list will be added to the standing list since
during the process of voting they would have accepted membership by subscribing
to the charter. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>The elected co-coordinator will take charge immediately on the
announcement of the result, and Vittorio will cease to be a co-coordinator. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>I also declare that I have satisfied myself about the
security and trustworthiness of the voting process, to the levels that in my understanding
are required and adequate for the current purpose.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>The email creating a voters account will be sent out on 10<sup>th</sup>
August and the voting will close at midnight – GMT - of 17<sup>th</sup> –
18<sup>th</sup> August. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>If needed, I will add more information to the above by
tomorrow. Meanwhile, clarifications are welcome.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Parminder <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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