NAM keeps election date under wraps

Despite Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) agreeing on the dates for the impending elective assembly, the local netball governing body has refused to disclose the actual date.

NAM president Rosy Chinunda said yesterday that they met as an executive a few days ago and they reached a consensus on the dates.

“We want the elections to be conducted this April. We have agreed on the dates but I cannot say anything on this. The secretariat will make an announcement,” Chinunda said.

NAM general secretary Carol Bapu also kept a tight lid on the dates, saying: “We will tell you about the dates in due course. Just write what the president [Chinunda] has told you.”

Regardless, section 24.2 (a) of NAM’s constitution, which talks about elections of executive committee members, stipulates that nominations need to be done 45 days before an elective assembly.

The section states: “The general secretary shall call for nominations 45 days before the date of the annual general meeting [AGM] in which elections for the executive committee are due.”

In spite of that, NAM affiliates have pleaded with their mother body to announce the dates on time so that they prepare well.

“As affiliates, we have not been notified about the election dates. It is our hope, therefore, that the constitution demands will be respected and we would not be caught off-guard,” said Southern Region Netball Committee (SRNC) chairperson Judith Chalusa.

Chalusa’s Central Region counterpart Fanuel Katengeza said they are keeping fingers crossed that all election procedures will be followed.

Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) executive secretary George Jana said he could not comment on the matter as his office is yet to be briefed on the progress NAM has made so far ahead of the polls.