Cyprus Community of NSW: Former president cites constitutional issues as election result questioned

The former president of the Cyprus Community of NSW has alleged the recent board election, where he lost his position by a single vote, could be re-run after constitutional issues.

The recent board election of the Cyprus Community of NSW has been called into question by the former president who cited “constitutional issues” that he said have yet to be addressed.

Spiro Constantinou served as the president of the Cyprus Community of NSW since 2019 but lost his position on the board at this month’s election by a solitary vote. He alleged there remain issues surrounding the election, which could require legal avenues.

“The main issue is that our constitution says there should be nine directors,” Mr Constantinou said.

“Four people were tied on equal votes, so we’ve elected 10 new directors but our constitution only allows for nine.

“It’s not clear yet if there are provisions in our constitution that can regulate this sort of outcome.”

The new board vehemently denied any issues with the vote, and said all legislation was adhered to and advice from ClubsNSW sought.

Although there is no indication whatsoever of irregularities with the vote, the former president believes contradictions between the result and the constitution have yet to be resolved, and said legal avenues could be pursued, or a re-run of the vote, if an EGM was called.

Mr Constantinou also alleged the overturning of an initially ruled invalid vote was still outstanding, considering a single vote could have a bearing on the outcome.

“This involved one ballot that was deemed to be invalid, but was then sought by some people to be valid,” he said.

“That changed the outcome of the election, with four people deadlocked, that one vote made a difference.

“These are the things that the electoral process has left unanswered.”

The former president said although the constitution doesn’t allow for proxy voting, it does allow for vote by attorney, and that some people who couldn’t make the vote were unable to cast a ballot.

Exterior of the Cyprus Club in Stanmore.

“Some people who asked for proxy or absence voting forms were denied, and they have lodged an objection to the election,” he said.

“If our constitution provides for a vote by attorney, then we should post these forms to all the people that need them.

“The constitution has not been substantially updated for 50 years and the laws have changed since then, so we need to revise it to avoid future issues,” he said.

Newly elected president Andrew Costa rejected any accusations of issues with the result, stating that all relevant legislation had been adhered to.

“The election process was guided not only by our constitution, but also by relevant legislation and Clubs NSW,” Mr Costa said.

“The voting and the final count was conducted under the supervision of the election committee of five members appointed by our AGM.

“The process was checked, confirmed, and signed off by all members of the election committee and twelve independent scrutineers.”

The new president said the election of 10 positions to the board had been resolved.

“This was resolved with the help of Clubs NSW and independent legal advice, which guided the election committee in the processes and procedures it should follow to finalise the nine positions,” he said.

“The board is not subject to change, as all constitutional and legal procedures were followed throughout the election process.”

Redevelopment plans would turn the Cyprus Club into a modern and lush space.

The election result and changing of the guard marks a critical time for the community, with the rezoning of the physical Cyprus Club and major planning proposals in the works.

The club’s physical future would remain on track with the new board, who Mr Costa said were “totally committed to the rezoning process”.

“The new board has begun its work on improving and revitalising the club premises, stabilising our finances and working with the council to complete the rezoning process,” he said.

“We are looking to pick up and continue the work of the previous board, and we envisage a seamless transition.

“The current planning proposal represents a unique opportunity to create a truly distinctive and remarkable place to live, work and play, with a strong inclusion of sustainability as a major ingredient.

“The members voted for a board that could deliver on these goals, and would consult and involve members every step of the way.”

The other nine members of the new board are Andrew Antoniou, Michael Kyriacou, Peter Sozou and Roula Christodoulides – all who were on the previous board – as well as Andreas Pantziaros, Costa Argyrou, Terry Bieri and Andrew Koullouros.