In the Spanish sports arena, the possibility of conducting telematic elections in sports federations has been a topic of discussion. Let us see how this issue has been regulated and what legal requirements and organizational structures should be considered.
Electronic Voting Regulation: A Shift in the Electoral Paradigm
Order ECI/2764/2015 brought about a significant change by allowing the incorporation of new technologies in the election of presidents of Spanish sports federations. However, Order EFD/42/2024 is the one that establishes the guidelines for the election of general assemblies and their presidents, every four years.
Taking into account the regulations, the federations must draw up electoral regulations approved by the Superior Council of Sports (CSD), covering crucial aspects. These regulations, in addition to following the statutory rules, must cover electoral districts, voting systems and other essential details.
Royal Decree 1835/1991 details the requirements that the Statutes of Spanish Sports Federations must contain. These include the competences, the organizational structure and the rights and duties of its members.
These bylaws, once approved by the Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD), will be published in the BOE and registered in the corresponding Registry of Sports Associations, thus consolidating their legal validity.
Electronic Voting: Transformation in the Electoral Process
The Superior Sports Council has regulated the use of electronic means in the elections of sports federations, revolutionizing the electoral process. This system, which is only conceived in person, is based on a touch-screen electronic ballot box, which seeks to facilitate the exercise of the vote. In addition to electronic voting, the system guarantees the recording, counting and transmission of results, providing efficiency, security and accessibility for all voters.
Electronic voting offers numerous advantages, bringing voters closer to the technology, reducing costs associated with traditional methods and improving the reliability of the results. The implementation of this system minimizes counting and consolidation time, making the process simpler and more accessible to people with disabilities.
The application for the electronic voting procedure may be made by candidates for the presidency of a Spanish sports federation, according to Order ECI 3567/2007.
The CSD regulation regarding electronic ballot boxes does not prevent sports federations from implementing telematic elections. Since there is no specific regulation regarding online voting in real time, in the event that they want to use it, the federations must include it in their electoral regulations, taking into account the provisions of their statutes.
The Possibility of Implementing Telematic Elections in Sports Federations: A Challenge and an Opportunity
The implementation of telematic elections in sports federations could be possible only if the electoral regulations expressly contemplate it. Although the ministerial order does not prohibit it, it is necessary for federations to adapt their statutes to include telematic voting, thus being able to adjust to a constantly changing world.
In conclusion, the landscape of telematic elections in sports federations is an evolving field, where regulation, adaptability and technological advantages combine in search of a more efficient and accessible voting process in the Spanish sports environment.
If you have more questions or want to go deeper into this topic, we are here to help. Contact us to continue exploring how technology is transforming the electoral process in the Spanish sports arena.
