By Chisomo Phiri
The Electoral Committee managing Football Association of Malawi (FAM) December elections has rebuffed an appeal from incumbent President Walter Nyamilandu to disqualify his competitor Fleetwood Haiya from the race citing eligibility issues.
Nyamilandu through his lawyers, Makiyi, Kanyenda and Associates appealed against Haiya’s candidature saying he is not eligible to contest as President because he has not resigned from his positions as Super League of Malawi (SULOM) President and as one of the directors for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Football Club, which is against the eligibility criteria as per FAM statutes.
Argued Nyamilandu in his appeal:”Accordingly, Mr Fleetwood Haiya, by operation of lawi s automatically ineligible and disqualified to participate as a candidate for the post of FAM President or to participate as a candidate for any other post in the elections for FAM executive committee.”
But the Electoral Committee which is being headed by private practice lawyer, James Masumbu, dismissed the case for late submission.
The response in our possession,says the appeal should have been filed no later than 21 November, 2023, but Nyamilandu submitted it on 24 November, 2023.
Recently, FAM electoral body through Masumbu approved all the candidates nominated by affiliates for various positions in the polls.
“After the screening process, the electoral committee approved names of the nominated candidates for the 2023 FAM executive committee elections,” said Masumbu.
Nyamilandu, who has been at the helm of FAM for the past 19 years, said he would be seeking re-election for the last time.
The elections will be held on December 16, 2023 in Mzuzu.
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