Section 44: Quorum at general meetings

44. Quorum at general meetings (1) Where the number of members in a society— (a) does not exceed 40, one half of the number of members or 5 members, whichever is lesser; (b) exceeds 40 but is not more than 400, one quarter of the number of members or 40 members, whichever is lesser; (c) exceeds 400 but is not more than 800, one quarter of the number of members or 80 members, whichever is lesser; (d) exceeds 800 but is not more than 1,600, one quarter of the number of members or 160 members, whichever is lesser; or (e) exceeds 1,600, one quarter of the number of members or 200 members, whichever is lesser, shall constitute the quorum for the purposes of the general meeting. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), where a general meeting is convened by the Registrar, the members present at the meeting shall constitute a quorum. (3) Where, within 30 minutes after the time fixed for a general meeting other than a general meeting convened by the Registrar, the number of members present is not sufficient to constitute a quorum, the meeting shall— (a) where the meeting was convened at the request of the members, be considered as dissolved; or (b) in every other case, stand adjourned to the same day, 2 weeks following the adjourned meeting at the same time, place and with the same agenda or such other place and time as the Registrar may approve. C49 – 23 [Issue 9] Co-Operatives Act (4) Where a meeting is adjourned under subsection (3), the Secretary shall, not later than 48 hours after the meeting is adjourned, cause a notice to that effect to be posted at the registered office of the society. (5) Where, at a general meeting which is held following the adjourned meeting, a quorum is not present within 30 minutes from the time appointed for the meeting, not less than— (a) 3 members shall constitute a quorum if the number of members of the society does not exceed 40; (b) 5 members shall constitute a quorum where the number of members of the society exceeds 40 but is not more than 400; (c) 7 members shall constitute a quorum where the number of members of the society exceeds 400 but is not more than 800; (d) 9 members shall constitute a quorum where the number of members of the society exceeds 800 but is not more than 1,600; and (e) 11 members shall constitute a quorum where the number of members of the society exceeds 1,600. (6) An adjourned meeting shall not have the power to take major decisions. (7) For the purpose of this section— “major decision” means a decision to incur liability or a decision regarding— (a) the sale, lease or disposal of the immovable property of the society; (b) an investment made by the society; (c) the amendment of the rules of the society; (d) a change of name of the society; or (e) any activity not specified in the rules of the society pursuant to section 10 (a).