International body hands off on equestrian elections

MANILA, Philippines - The Federation Equestre International said it can only assume so much of a role in the leadership issue within the Equestrian Association of the Philippines which was urged by the world governing body in the sport to hold another election as soon as possible.

Jose Cojuangco, the Philippine Olympic Committee president who is disputing the EAP leadership with Party List Congresswoman Carissa Coscolluela, said the FEI might as well help in deciding the list of voters since both parties can’t seem to agree on it.

But FEI second vice president Christopher Hodson said while he welcomes the invitation for him to come over during the elections as an observer, it may not be appropriate for him or for anyone from the FEI to determine who gets to vote within the EAP.

“I believe the election must be an internal matter for the national association of the Philippines. It would not be appropriate for any FEI representative to endeavor to conduct the election from outside; such a course must necessarily incur the possibility of not conforming to the wishes of the members,” Hodson said.

“Only the Association can decide its membership and officialdom; I see no role for the FEI in imposing such a decision on a national association. The rules of the EAP do not provide for anyone else to determine its membership. The FEI does not dictate internal issues of its national federations,” he added in a letter dated Aug. 17, 2009.

The FEI officer said “there is little point” in the FEI observing the EAP election if the contending parties will not honor the results and accept them as “fair and honest.”

The FEI then reminded Cojuangco and Coscolluela that it is necessary for each step of the proceedings to be agreed upon as it takes place, and that there must be an accepted list of members entitled to vote.

Once settled, only then can they serve notice of the date, time and place of the election and who are entitled to attend and vote. “That list must be determined by the EAP, with any legal advice and involvement that may be necessary,” Hodson said.

Coscolluela had earlier announced Aug. 13 as the date, but no election took place because of the death of former President Corazon C. Aquino, Cojuangco’s sister.

Cojuangco also maintained that Coscolluela has no right to call for an election, adding that as the EAP president still being recognized by the POC, it’s him who has the sole right and authority to call for an election.

Cojuangco said calling for an election may even be against the EAP charter since it calls for the next election in 2012. He said his lawyers are looking into the possibility of amending the charter first before he can set an election. Otherwise, it may set a very bad precedent.

Hodson also said it has to be agreed upon whether the elections will be held under secret balloting.

“The FEI has no interest in dictating who will represent the EAP at the FEI General Assembly. My interest as observer is to promote agreement on the conduct of the election which has been agreed will take place, as suggested by the FEI President,” said Hodson, adding that he’s looking forward to “hearing of progress” soon.