Club panel seats must be won through fair means

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This paper's weekend edition had a prominent report on the goings on in swish clubs, where electioneering has crossed all lines of decency. The report stated that so bitter and cutthroat has the campaigning for club committee seats become that even the police have now been pulled into this quagmire.

The police stated in the report that members with their influence and many with political backing file police complaints against other members. This usually happens during election season. When the polls are over and done with, the police are told to close these complaints. They have to do the rounds of courts. All this is a huge waste of manpower and time for an already stretched force.

Police complaints are one part of this entire circus where fights escalate to shocking degrees. Poison pen letters are circulated unsparing of family. Sex scandals are dug up and corruption and bribery charges fly thick and fast.

Politicians are now a big part of the mix, no longer in the shadows. They are openly siding with certain groups, adding to the high-stakes campaigning. While opposition and challenges are always healthy, no individual or group can and should dominate and there should always be checks and balances the campaigning has now crossed all lines.

There is no decorum and rules are out of the swish French windows of these elite hubs. Dial back the frivolous police complaints. Fight fairly in a spirit of sportsmanship and keep the tone civil. While debates and dissension are welcome, always have a line or limit. Do not bring personal equations or families into these club campaigns and do not threaten people to go to cops with complaints of sexual abuse. This takes away credibility and is despicable to say the least. Club members claim their club is a home away from home. Let us make that home sweet home away from home.