From Mr J. D. Khan, MRPharmS
SIR,-After extensive debate in recent weeks on Council elections and accountability and transparency of Council affairs I would like to submit my thoughts on these two very critical factors.
I believe, like many other correspondents, that there should be open canvassing for all candidates so long as a level playing field exists for all candidates, as proposed by Martin Palmer in his "Broad Spectrum" article (PJ, March 11, p404). This would give candidates an opportunity to communicate their ideas to the membership and equally give the membership a chance to know who the candidates are and what they stand for. I also agreed with Mr Palmer that the election process is unnecessarily complex and that a simple seven Xs would suffice. Furthermore, the Society should hold an annual hustings event to ensure credible candidates get elected on to the Council.
Once candidates are elected, it is imperative that we are able to see whether election promises are kept and more importantly how they have voted on crucial issues. Voting should be made public via the PJ or the internet, as should attendance at Council meetings. Also, once a Council member has retired from Council a brief summary report should be submitted to the membership of achievements since being elected. Regular feedback sessions to the membership after Council meetings, eg, via the branches and regions, would help. Finally, the President should be elected on merit. The Society is to be congratulated on making this election more transparent.
J. D. Khan
Rochdale, Lancashire