The Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne Victoria (GOCMV) elections have been deferred to January 17 as a result of a compromise agreement reached between opposing sides of the GOCMV.

The elections were scheduled for yesterday, (Dec 13), however the threat of an injunction order saw the opposing sides of the GOCMV board managed to secure a compromise deal.

As reported last week in Neos Kosmos English Edition (NKEE) Mr Paikopoulos, Mr Vournazos, Mr Pezaros and Mr Soublis had sent a letter raising issues about the conduct of the annual general meeting (AGM) last month and calling for a new AGM to be held.

The issues raised include claims of “unconstitutional irregularities” in the election of the Election Committee that has the responsibility of conducting the elections, as well as irregularities in the counting of the ballots and in dealing with any objections and grievances.

The GOCMV Board responded by seeking legal opinions from two lawyers whose advice indicated that there was not sufficient grounds to postpone the elections and reconvene the AGM.

It decided to proceed with the elections.

However disgruntled Community members applied for an injunction order but before the hearing on Thursday a compromise solution was agreed to as a way of preventing the GOCMV becoming caught up in the courts.

The compromise solution saw both sides agree to the following:

  • The postponement of the elections to January 17
  • The counting of the votes be conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission
  • Three members of the Electoral Committee resign to allow three new members to be chosen from the ranks of the opposing side
  • The Opposition forces will drop their opposition to proposals for Alphington Grammar should the GOCMV Board agree to put those proposals for to a general meeting.
  • That the GOCMV membership roll be as accurate as possible by including when members joined the GOCMV and the receipt number for their having signed up or renewed their membership
  • That there be no new nominations for elections to the Board
  • That the legal action for an injunction be withdrawn and all sides will meet their own legal costs

The press release issued after the agreement said; “In the best interests of the Greek Community, we have agreed without going to court to defer the election to 17 January 2010 and to reconstitute the electoral committee in a bipartisan way.”

The media release highlighted that the two sides have “put aside any differences on Alphington Grammar and support the current projects.”

The statement added, “We believe this represents a new start for the Community and hopefully lead to more cooperation on the big issues confronting the Greek Community.”

The statement was signed by Mr Paikopoulos, Mr Kounelis and the GOCMV President, Mr Papastergiadis.