From UK battling doping in Football to India and gambling in cricket, to global tennis, FIFA and athletics, sport and controversy go hand in hand – as I recently commented on BBC. How does the behind the scene politics of these things work? I write to you from Hong Kong.
It has emerged that there was a plot to rig the February 2015 ITUC Asia Pacific election. Global Leaks has revealed that Carol Beaumont, the former New Zealand Labour Party MP and secretary of New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, was being pushed by General Secretary Sharan Burrow for the post of ITUC (AP) General Secretary through dubious means. Leaked emails show how Ms Burrow engaged with Grant Belchamber (international officer, Australian Council of Trade Unions), Helen Kelly, president NZCTU, and Carol herself, with the purpose of engineering a win against Noriyuki Suzuki, the current general secretary of ITUC (AP) and the man who finally beat her.
An email dated January 18 of last year, written by Ms Carol to Ms Burrow and Ms Kelly, shows how she solicited their clandestine support through undemocratic means.
On January 29, 2015, Grant Belchamber wrote to Sharan Burrow and Helen Kelly, brainstorming on how best to create cracks and swing votes for Ms Carol.
He wrote: “If votes are weighted by membership, Suzuki appears to have almost 60% at present. This includes SEWA. Taking SEWA from Suzuki leaves him with 51%. Critical we speak with them.” He then goes on to talk about hopes of swinging NTUC-I (Nepal) and NTUF (Sri Lanka) as well.
Sharan Burrow’s response is equally shocking and against the spirit of trade unionism.
Her mail, in short, read: “It’s enough to spook him (Suzuki) and to demonstrate split in region. SEWA will vote with you (Carol) I am certain. And PWF will go with the wind. Bishnu has started Rengo conversation. I will be in contact with Koga as soon as noms close. Meanwhile I have one of the GUFs talking to Rengo Affiliate…” She also spoke of fixing a retirement date for Suzuki.
These are political tactics, and indictment of their commitment to free and fair elections. Ms Burrow may have been ensuring placements of associates and faithfuls in key positions so that that there is little opposition to her.
A well known sympathizer of the Australian Labour party, Sharan Burrow has faced criticism from Joe Hockey, a Liberal Party Member, for promoting the ALP and at the same time criticizing the Liberals.
Around the world, from global sport to regions, it appears democracy and fair play get in the way of sport.
Alpesh Patel
