There is sometimes misconception about the Chairpersons’ role in Bodies Corporate. We will unpack the role & responsibilities of Chairpersons in various posts to better understand this position.
Exercising Casting Votes
The Chairperson can only exercise a casting vote in Scheme Executives’ (Trustees) meetings. Decisions are determined by majority vote of Scheme Executives (Trustees) where there are more than 2 Scheme Executives present. When there are equal votes in favour of & votes against a motion by Scheme Executives, the Chairperson can exercise a casting vote to break the deadlock (PMR 14(1)(b)).
NB to Note! The Chairperson does not have a casting vote in a general meeting of members (note: all general meetings of members are referred to as Special General Meetings). Where there are equal votes in favour of and against a motion, the motion is defeated.
The Chairperson is Obliged to stay Neutral
The Chairperson at general meetings (members meetings) is obliged to remain neutral. He/she must manage the meeting and not act in a manner that influences decisions.
The Chairperson must not:
- from the chair, attempt to influence members’ views on any item of business, or
- disclose in advance how he/she intends to vote Refer: PMR 17(4)
In order to prevent Chairpersons’ influencing outcomes of decisions in meetings, if the Chairperson wants to involve himself/herself in debate regarding a motion or decision to be taken, he/she is required to surrender the chair, then taken over by a temporary Chairperson which the members elect (PMR 18(3)).
Keep a lookout for future posts on the Chairperson’s role
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Brilliant article