Sulom opens nominations

Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has opened nominations for its vacant positions of president and executive member.

A notice from the top-flight league-runners, addressed to all its affiliates, says the positions will be filled at an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) scheduled for March 30 in Lilongwe.

Part of the notice signed by general secretary Williams Banda, reads: “Pursuant to Article 44 of the Super League of Malawi constitution, notice is hereby given of the elective annual general meeting (AGM) to be held in Lilongwe on Saturday, 30th March 2024.

“Any nomination by an affiliate, which is entitled to vote at the AGM, shall be proposed by one affiliate and the chairperson/president and general secretary/CEO [chief executive officer] affiliate proposing, shall sign each nomination.”

It also says as per the league’s constitution, an affiliate shall not nominate more than one candidate per position.

“All nomination forms shall be submitted from 4th March 2024 to close of business on 20th March 2024. Any nomination form that is submitted before the 4th March 2023 or after the stipulated deadline shall be regarded as invalid,” the notice further reads.

Sulom further says every nominee will be required to pay a non-refundable registration fee by March 11 2024. Presidential nominees will pay K200 000 while that of executive member attracts a K100 000 fee.

The development comes after some of the clubs challenged Sulom’s plan to appoint acting president Colonel Gilbert Mittawa during Sunday’s AGM in Lilongwe. The clubs argued that doing so would be flouting the constitution which calls for elections to fill vacant positions.

Some clubs have since welcomed Sulom’s move to call for an EGM.

Silver Strikers CEO Patrick Chimimba said: “What Sulom leadership has done is highly commendable. Just a few days after affiliates agreed to have the EGM, a notice has been placed to fill the vacant position in a legal way as enshrined in the constitution.”

Mighty Mukuru Wanderers board secretary Chancy Gondwe also welcomed the move, saying it now aligns with the constitutional order as outlined in the Sulom constitution.

He said: “This development reflects our longstanding commitment to upholding the principles of transparency, fairness and adherence to established protocols within the organisation.

“As a club that has consistently advocated for the proper implementation of the constitutional framework of Sulom, we view this decision as a positive step towards ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the organisation.

“By following the constitutional order for filling vacancies, Sulom can enhance its governance structure, promote accountability, and ultimately strengthen its ability to fulfill its mandate.

“We are encouraged by this proactive approach and remain committed to supporting its efforts to operate in a manner that upholds the values of good governance and institutional legitimacy.”

On his part, FCB Nyasa Bullets chief administration officer Albert Chigoga said:  “As a club, we are glad that Sulom Ex-co has heeded to the calls for a due process to be followed. Plaudits to the leadership.”