[emb021]

Some comments from a parliamentarian.

It's "Bylaws". One word, no hyphen.

You really can't suspend your bylaws. You can suspend certain items, but they must be of a purly procedural item. Not sure if this one (requirement to run for office) is something you can suspend. Is it being suspended for ALL candidates, or just one person? Sounds to me like an exception is being made for one person, but not another, which is unfair.

The purpose of having a nominating committee is to ensure you have a complete slate of candidate for all offices. And candiates need to meet certain criteria, they shouldn't be putting them up as candidates. Your org SHOULD still allow for additional nominations from the floor, and write-ins should also be allowed. Elections should be by secret ballot, with votes for each office. (ie, you don't vote in the entire slate).

Your bylaws should clearly set down how to conduct elections (your parent org may also have policies that set things out a certain way). These procedures will always superseded what is stated in Robert's (Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised is the current version).

Hope this helps.