LECTURERS' union Natfhe is a step closer to choosing a new general secretary after issuing ballot papers to its 66,000 members on Monday. The five candidates are Vicky Seddon, Paul Mackney, Andrea Kenneally, Kate Heasman and Fawzi Abrahim. The ballot closes on December 8, with the result announced on December 12. The winner will replace John Akker who took early retirement in May.