1. C-2, London, United Kingdom, 9 – 11 October 2018
IHO Council
Report by Canada Regarding Action C1/49 Proposal to Amend the General Regulations Concerning the Election Process for Electing the Secretary-General and Directors
C-2, London, United Kingdom, 9 – 11 October 2018

2. Part 1- Presentation of the Candidates
“All candidates should be given the opportunity prior to the election to present themselves to the Member States and expound on their vision and proposals for the IHO as part of the leadership team of the Secretariat. For many Member State representatives, this may be the first and only time that they will be able to hear the candidates communicate their ideas. If it is considered necessary, the presentation session could be professionally facilitated. These presentations would be for a maximum of 15 minutes in duration per candidate and should take place early in the Session to allow delegates time to consult with their country’s administration, if required”.
General Regulations Article 20(a) that a written “candidate’s Position” be part of the application.
C-2, London, United Kingdom, 9 – 11 October 2018

3. Part 1- Presentation of the Candidates: Comments
Although it was recognized this allows for Candidates to further express themselves and for Member States to get to know them better, there was a concern that this favours native English speakers.
Better knowledge of the candidates could also be achieved if nomination packages were made available to Member States a few months ahead of Assembly.
C-2, London, United Kingdom, 9 – 11 October 2018

4. C-2, London, United Kingdom, 9 – 11 October 2018
Part 2- Length of term
“Noting that there may be suitable candidates for election that are not able to commit to an initial six-year term of office, it is proposed that candidates be given the option to declare the length of their intended initial service as either three years or six years. The limit of no more than two consecutive terms, and a total cumulative time of service (includes both time as Director and Secretary-General) of no more than nine years, would continue to apply”.
C-2, London, United Kingdom, 9 – 11 October 2018

5. Part 2- Length of term: Comments
It is generally felt that the organization should set the terms. There was concern about giving a candidate the choice of the duration of the term, and having candidates for the same position coming forward for different terms.
In regards to the duration of a term, 3 years was considered too short with 6 years providing more stability for the Secretariat.
C-2, London, United Kingdom, 9 – 11 October 2018

6. C-2, London, United Kingdom, 9 – 11 October 2018
Part 3- Voting Process
“At the past Assembly elections and previous Conference elections there have been instances where no single candidate has received a majority of the votes (50 percent plus one of the votes). It is proposed that if no single candidate achieves a majority of 50 per cent of the votes cast plus one vote in a ballot, then a second, run-off ballot between the two candidates with the largest number of votes should be held”.
C-2, London, United Kingdom, 9 – 11 October 2018

7. Part 3- Voting Process: Comments
There has only been one election under the new convention. Another couple of cycles may be required before determining whether there is a need to change the current voting process.
If in the future there is a decision to explore other options for the voting process, a benchmark exercise with similar organisations would be useful to inform the discussion.
C-2, London, United Kingdom, 9 – 11 October 2018

8. Recommendations for C1/49
Part 1- recommend dismissing. Part 2- recommend dismissing with no further discussion. Part 3- recommend revisiting in a few years after there is more experience with the existing process.
C-2, London, United Kingdom, 9 – 11 October 2018

9. Action requested of the Council
That the Council note this report and close the action C1/49.
That the Council remains mindful and open to potential ways to improve the voting process for the benefit of the candidates, the Member States, and the IHO.
C-2, London, United Kingdom, 9 – 11 October 2018