Strengthening Democracy at the Grassroots – The Three Mountains Cocoa Co-Operative AGM Elections

Democracy thrives as a practice deeply ingrained in our operations.

On the 14th of February 2025, our farmers participated in one of the most essential processes in our co-operative's journey, our Annual General Meeting (AGM) elections. These elections ensure transparency and inclusivity and allow the power of collective action to shape the future of our organisation.

A Transparent Electoral Process

In preparation for the elections, we prioritised awareness and education, ensuring every farmer was informed and ready to participate. The co-operative operates on a 5-member delegate system, where representatives from various communities act as the voice of their farmers during general meetings. This decentralised system guarantees that information flows efficiently and inclusively, making every farmer's voice heard.

This year marked the end of the previous executives' tenure, and, as outlined in our constitution, elections were held to usher in new leaders. Each community elected their delegates, who will further compete for executive roles, including President, Vice-President, General Secretary and Treasurer.

Commitment to Free and Fair Elections

Our elections, supervised by Three Mountains staff, ensured a transparent process. Each candidate balloted for a voting number, which was announced publicly before the farmers cast their votes using a straightforward container-based system. The results were declared openly, reinforcing the trust and integrity of the process.

Notably, the turnout was encouraging, with a large number of farmers actively participating. Each election, from mobilising farmers to counting votes, took approximately 2–3 hours, ensuring enough time to vote, but not too much time spent away from the farm.

Empowering Women in Leadership

We’re proud to announce that our efforts to promote women’s participation bore significant results, with 40% of women elected as community representatives. This milestone is an encouraging result as we work towards further gender equity in leadership, a value we hold dear at Three Mountains.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, 80% of the previous executives will continue their service alongside new members, ensuring a balance of experience and fresh perspectives. The newly elected representatives will convene to elect the core executive positions, adhering to the constitutionally mandated three-month probation period for outgoing executives.

Through this process, Three Mountains reaffirms its stance as a co-operative grounded in democratic principles and collective progress. In a world where the integrity of elections is increasingly under scrutiny, we’re proud to set an example of what free and fair elections can achieve.

As the dust settles, we celebrate not just the outcomes but the unity and resilience of our farmers.

Together, we grow, and together, we lead.

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