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I will handle elections professionally— Nyirenda

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda has said he will professionally handle the body’s December 12 elections in Salima as the electoral committee’s secretary.

Some football analysts have doubted Nyirenda’s impartiality on his role at the elections, saying his loyalty is to the incumbent leadership and can manipulate nominations into its favour.

Nyerenda (R): Ihave experience in handling such elections
Nyerenda (R): Ihave experience in handling such elections

“I am a professional and I have experience  handling such elections because in 2011 I was also given a similar role and ably executed it. Where were these doubting Thomases then? I assure you that everything is in the right hands,” Nyirenda said during a press conference held in Blantyre yesterday.

According to article 5, paragraph 3 of the electoral code on composition of the electoral committee, “the general secretary of FAM serves as the secretary of the electoral committee. He takes part in  activities of the electoral committee in a consultative capacity and is responsible for the related logistical matters from the electoral committee.”

But Former FAM acting general secretary George Kaudza-Masina argued that Nyirenda needs to step down from his role in the elections so as to level the playing field.

“This is bad because as FAM’s employee, who has risen through the ranks from administrative officer under the current regime, it will not be possible for him to be impartial. Already, the electoral policy at FAM favours the incumbent and Nyirenda’s role complicates matters,” Kaudza Masina said.

Soccer follower Kelvin Chifunda concurred with Kaudza-Masina that it will be difficult for Nyirenda to take a neutral line since his allegiance is to the current committee.

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