Who will win the election? Will there be a coalition? Will there be a minority government? Will it be a left wing, a central or a right wing government? Luckily the election of a new Treasurer and Secretary to the board of Utrecht International Rotary Group was a fairly straightforward affair unlike those held in the UK or in the Netherlands. The race to be Treasurer was done in Soviet style with only one candidate standing for office. However, the candidate’s engaging speech highlighting his considerable financial experience left no one in doubt that this was the right person for the job.

In contrast, the post for Secretary was heavily contested until the very last moment. The electioneering campaign was even waged from as far afield as Fiji, as one contender sought to persuade floating voters in the outer reaches of our Rotarian world about his skills and commitment. This strident candidate, however, did not neglect his constituents in his Utrecht constituency and made a final appeal through the wonders of e-mail.  Nevertheless, the passionate speech on democracy and the democratic tradition within Rotary by the incumbent Secretary tipped the votes in his favour and he was duly elected.

So the newly elected fearsome duo will now join Laima as incoming president, Henriette as incumbent President and Pieter as future president.  Good luck to the new board and here’s to another dynamic year of leadership of Utrecht International Rotary Club.

Creative Commons License photo credit: docpop