Silver opt for secret ballot

Silver Strikers FC have opted for a secret ballot in today’s executive committee elections.

This is the first time in the history of the club that ballot papers will be used. So far, the trend has been to make contestants stand and their followers queue behind them.

The team’s outgoing general secretary Owen Munthali, who is seeking re-election, said during the week they want to be transparent and accountable.

“Using queues is tricky and results in chaos. People sometimes join one queue then defect to another, then go back to the first queue.

“The method also promotes hatred as the office-bearers know who voted for them and who did not; so, it makes relationships sour after elections. But this will be professional and no one will know who has voted for who,” he said.

Chairperson Dr McDonald Mafuta-Mwale is likely to go unopposed.

He was supposed to leave his post after serving his two constitutional terms, but the board has directed that he should stand for another term.

“Mwale should get another chance because he has done well at the club and he has unfinished business which we want him to implement at the club,” said Silver Strikers board chairperson Kelvin Mmangisa.

The biggest battle at the elections will be for the post of the general secretary where incumbent Owen Munthali faces Mike Tembo.

Oscar Mabulekesi will also go unopposed as the club’s vice-chairperson. Mabulekesi replaces Daudi Nthakomwa.

There is also stiff competition for the post of vice-general secretary where Madalitso Mazombwe will face Alex Major.

Another stiff battle will be for the position of treasurer. Fred Kalonga, who served as vice-treasurer in the outgoing committee will face Wesley Njete.

Edwin Ndege will face Gertrude Moses for the position of vice-treasurer. The battle for executive committee membership also looks stiff.

The following people have submitted their nominations: Yotamu Malanda, Levison Brandson, Chatheka Mangazi, Japhet Majekete, Edwin Banda, Goodall Chinjoka, Edward Kanyali, Gibson Mkanda, Kelvin Sanjale and Martin Chibweya.

Paul Zoipa and a Mr Chibekete will battle for the position of supporters’ chairperson.

Meanwhile, Sulom has urged clubs to vote wisely and put in place people who will help in the development of the game.

“Let us be sober-minded when electing officials. We need people who are conversant with the game and who will be able to execute their duties effectively.

“We also ask clubs to refrain from acts of violence during elections,” said Banda.