FAM presidential aspirants examine electoral process
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) presidential aspirants have differed in their analysis of the electoral process with incumbent Walter Nyamilandu complaining about “mudslinging and intimidation of affiliates and candidates”.
However, James Mwenda, currently the FAM vice-president, has said he has not observed anything sinister in the process.
The two face-off during the FAM executive committee elections next Saturday in Mangochi.
In an interview, Nyamilandu said generally the process has been fair but hinted that threats against candidates marred the campaign period.
“The electoral process has been free and fair. The only setback has been the mudslinging and intimidation towards both the candidates and the Affiliates,” he said.
Asked to back his observation, Nyamilandu sent the video clip of renowned football fan ‘Billy One’ threatening to deal with him if he insists on contesting during the polls.
He also forwarded the audio piece in which an unidentified man calling himself ‘Football Fan’ threatens to deal with Central Region Football Association chairperson Austin Ajawa if he “continues to support Nyamilandu”.
Said Nyamilandu: “Lots of threats issued to many supporters or followers of Team Walter. This is not a secret.”
The FAM leader praised the electoral committee for being “excellent, without any bias or favouritism”.
But Mwenda said he has not suffered any intimidation, adding: “So far I don’t have any problem in the electoral process.”
“I have not faced any intimidation. In the first place, why should l be intimidated. If anything, l am receiving encouragement from people of all walks of life for making a bold decision to contest,” he said.
During the polls, current executive committee members Jabbar Alide and Daud Mtanthiko will tussle for first vice-presidency.
On the position of second vice-president, incumbent second vice-president Othaniel Hara will face Northern Region Football Association (NRFA) chairperson Lameck Khonje.
Six aspirants—Christopher Kuyera, Chimango Munthali, Rashid Ntelera, Masiya Nyasulu, Davies Saddo and Muhamad Seleman—will compete for the four male executive committee member slots.
Felister Dossi is tipped to go unopposed for the female executive member position as she has no competitor.
