WIFOL board election challenged in injunction application

An injunction application has been filed seeking to nullify the election of the Workers Institute for Organized Labour Association’s new executive board, attorney Cor Merx said on Monday 12 October. Merx said the application asks a judge to determine whether WIFOL followed the proper procedures and to nullify decisions made through the election process.

The challenge concerns a congress held on Thursday 17 September at the WIFOL building, where Joanice David Richardson was elected president, replacing Theophilus Thompson. Elton Jones and Ashma Berkel were also elected as board members.

Merx said the board did not follow the association’s bylaws on “two or three points.” He said a hearing date had not yet been set.

Claire Elshot has also called for the new board’s annulment, alleging an illegal leadership takeover and raising concerns about the election process and an interrupted financial audit. The congress was convened by 10 ordinary members to address WIFOL’s affairs and management, including financial statements, board vacancies and board appointments.

Under WIFOL’s constitution, the new executive board is to decide who will serve as secretary and treasurer. It may also convene another congress to expand the board.