In a seismic twist ahead of the December 16, 2023, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Executive Committee elections, the current FAM President, Walter Nyamilandu, has faced a setback as his appeal against the nomination of Fleetwood Haiya has been rebuffed by the FAM Electoral Appeals Committee.
Nyamilandu, a former Flames defender who has steered the ship of Malawian football for a staggering 19-years, finds himself entangled in a dispute after he challenged not only the legitimacy of a fellow candidate but also the very procedures guiding the electoral process.
On November 24, 2023, Nyamilandu lodged an appeal, contending that it was within the stipulated timeframe as per the FAM Elections Committee’s press release to lodge an appeal against the nomination of Fleetwood Haiya.
However, the Electoral Appeal Committee has rebuffed the incumbent FAM boss arguing that the appeal runs foul of Article 12(2) of the FAM Electoral Code, insisting it should have been submitted by November 21, 2023.
“Rules are the foundation of any democratic process, and we must adhere to them. The Electoral Code is clear, and we cannot deviate from its provisions,” emphasized a member of the Electoral Appeal Committee in response to Nyamilandu’s claims.
“We disagree. FAM Elections Committee has no powers to change the FAM Electoral Code; faced with this apparent conflict between the Press Release and the FAM Electoral code, Mr. Walter Nyamilandu Manda knew or ought to have known that the Press release must yield to the Electoral Code,” added the Electoral Appeal Committee.
This clash between the seasoned leader and the electoral machinery of FAM not only adds a layer of complexity to the impending elections but also prompts a broader reflection on the governance and democratic processes within the association.
“Mr. Walter Nyamilandu Manda’s appeal has fallen foul of Article 12 (2) of the FAM Electoral Code. He ought to have filed his appeal on or before the 21st November 2023. This appeal is dismissed,” concluded the Electoral Appeal Committee, solidifying their stance on the matter.
“All indications are that Malawi football is not the cusp of change and as we navigate this situation, we must ensure that our electoral processes are robust, transparent, and fair,” remarked Peter Kumwenda, a prominent football journalist, highlighting the broader implications of the current dispute.
As the football community awaits the December 16 elections, the denial of Nyamilandu’s appeal introduces an element of uncertainty into the trajectory of FAM’s leadership. The response from Nyamilandu and his supporters, as well as the broader implications for the future of Malawian football administration, remain uncertain.
This momentous juncture underscores the need for a careful examination of FAM’s electoral framework and its alignment with contemporary principles of transparency and fairness.
Regardless of the outcome, the events unfolding in the lead-up to the elections mark a watershed moment in the history of football governance in Malawi.
In response to recent developments, Haiya, campaigning under the theme of transforming the game, has announced that following the dismissal of the appeal, he will be issuing a press release.
“Some battles belong to the Lord,” he added, infusing a sense of faith and resilience into the situation.
