ACCA AGM: Vote scuppers dissident's proposals

The seven special business resolutions were an attempt to democratise the institution, according to Tony Thorne, the long-time member and sole practitioner who tabled them. The vote tallies in some instances were extremely close: one resolution that the Senior Management Team be subject to the same disciplinary rules as members was defeated by a solitary vote.

According to Thorne, his dissatisfaction had been growing for years, but his campaign started when the ACCA abolished his district society in favour of a model involving networking events rather than weekly district meetings run by local member councils.

The ACCA argues that the district societies were exclusionary, a claim Thorne roundly denies. “We had over 100 people attending each week,” said Thorne. “Many weren’t even ACCA members. It was great promotion for the organisation.”

Thorne’s major complaints were the perceived lack of management oversight afforded to members, ACCA council members not being subject to members’ disciplinary procedures and the body’s voting procedures.

Thorne’s resolutions proposed that council positions be appointed by members directly. “The president isn’t elected by members,” explained Prem Sikka, an ACCA veteran and supporter of Thorne. “The ACCA’s response is that the council elects these offices. Now it’s true the members elect the council – but then we get to the delegated proxy vote system.”

The delegated proxy vote system is a central proposal in the special business resolutions. Currently, ACCA members can appoint council members such as the president to vote for them. This means it’s not uncommon for the president of the ACCA to cast thousands of votes at once. “It’s a system which is unlawful for local, national, mayoral, European, and trade union elections,” .

The ACCA is adamant that the system is fair. “There are members who, because council has a close understanding of ACCA’s prospects, challenges and operations, elect to appoint council members as proxies on certain issues, trusting in council’s judgment and knowledge of ACCA,” said the ACCA.

The system created a unique scenario where a vote on the existence of the delegated proxy system was decided using the delegated proxy system, which Thorne labelled a conflict of interest.

Thorne, a second generation ACCA member, has vowed to continue his struggle. He plans to propose the resolutions again at the next available opportunity.