In a letter sent out to Georgia Democrats, Interim Chairwoman Nikema Williams have decided to open the DPG election to any democrat, not just for white males only.
Says Williams in the letter,
As
you are aware, I have been in regular contact with our local party
leadership as well as national party leaders to help navigate our
upcoming special election for party chair. After extensive consultation,
I have decided to open this election to any Democrat who chooses to run
for the position.
I believe that an open election is more consistent with our fundamental belief of full participation in the political process.
Our
state charter and bylaws were created to implement this very process,
at a time when women and people of color had been systematically
excluded from full participation. It is that open process that I want
to honor.
Our
Counsel agrees and has advised me that the provisions of our charter
and bylaws that address racial and gender composition of party officers
can be interpreted as a goal that is intelligible when all offices are open for election, but do not explicitly apply in a special election for a single position.
I
will be directing our Charter and By-Laws Committee to draft
appropriate amendments that will clarify the goals of inclusion and
establish uniform procedures for filling vacancies in any office at
state, county, congressional district, or other level.
Therefore, the Special Election for Chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2013. The deadline for declarations of candidacy as outlined in the June 20th election notice will be extended until Wednesday, July 31, 2013. This will provide an opportunity for any Democrat to participate fully in our process.
1 comment:
This is the best decision for the DPG as it tries to right the ship ahead of the 2014 elections. One candidate already have announced, Former State Sen. Mary Squires and I expect more to enter before June 20
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