By David Lebbie
Delegates attending the Sierra Leone Athletics Association (SLAA) Extraordinary Congress at the J & E Resort on Torwama Road in Bo have voted to exclude club representatives from participating in the Association’s forthcoming Elective Congress.
The motion, which effectively bars clubs from voting or taking part in any SLAA election, was overwhelmingly approved by delegates. The final vote saw 29 delegates support the motion, 3 vote against it, while 6 delegates were absent.
According to SLAA Secretary General, Dr. Adikali Kaba Sesay, the decision followed disruptions allegedly caused by club representatives during the proceedings. He said police escorted the representatives from the venue after they interrupted the congress, adding that delegates subsequently passed a motion preventing them from even observing the meeting.
However, the decision has drawn strong criticism from the President of the Western Area Athletics Association, Mr. Swahib Bangura, who described the move as biased and designed to benefit the incumbent administration ahead of the Association’s elections.
Mr. Bangura argued that the clubs had fulfilled all the requirements to qualify as delegates and maintained that excluding them from the process was unfair and contrary to the principles of inclusive governance.
SLAA Media Officer Lahai Mansaray explained that the Extraordinary Congress was convened to consider amendments to the Association’s 2022 Constitution, including provisions relating to club participation in elections, set a date for the Elective Congress, and deliberate on other key matters affecting athletics in Sierra Leone.
The congress continues in Bo, with further developments expected as delegates conclude deliberations.
