Ensuring fairness in chapter elections is not a procedural detail, it is a direct indicator of a chapter’s ethical maturity and governance integrity.
Across regions, I have observed recurring challenges when leadership structures become “closed systems,” where the same individuals rotate positions, remain in adjacent roles between mandates, or informally shape succession in ways that limit genuine competition.
These patterns - even when unintentional - create perceptions of favoritism, pre-selection, and reduced transparency.
A particularly delicate issue arises when eligibility criteria are simple - for example, being an active member and having three years of volunteer service - yet access to volunteering itself is not fully open.
When only a restricted group has the opportunity to participate in volunteer roles, these criteria cease to function as mechanisms of inclusion and instead become inadvertent barriers that prevent new candidates from entering the process.
This dynamic can significantly narrow the pipeline of future leaders.
What concerns me most is the systemic impact.
When election cycles do not provide true openness:
- The diversity of candidates shrinks,
- Innovation slows,
- Trust erodes, and
- Chapters lose legitimacy in the eyes of their members.
To uphold fairness, three principles are non-negotiable:
1. Transparent and consistently applied eligibility criteria
So all members understand the rules, not only those already close to leadership.
2. Open and actively promoted calls for candidacies
Without informal gatekeeping or selective encouragement.
3. Independent oversight of nominations and voting
To prevent real or perceived conflicts of interest and ensure equal opportunity.
When these elements are present, chapters regenerate leadership, attract new talent, and strengthen credibility.
When they are absent, they stagnate, regardless of technical achievements.
I would greatly appreciate hearing how other members have fostered transparency, equal access, and balanced governance during their chapter election cycles.
Learning from diverse experiences reinforces our global commitment to fairness, responsibility, and integrity, the ethical foundations that define the PMI community.
Community Champion
