The Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) electoral committee has disqualified former general secretary Carol Bapu from contesting for the association’s presidency in the forthcoming polls.
The polls are scheduled for August 23, 2025 in Lilongwe.
Nam’s Independent and Impartial Elections Committee Chairperson Zione Ntaba released the list of approved nominees yesterday.
The electoral committee’s decision comes after Bapu already served a maximum of two terms as stipulated in the constitution.
“Elected Executive Committee Members shall be elected in accordance with this Constitution for a term of four years and not more than two consecutive, which shall commence from conclusion of the Annual General Meeting at which the election occurred until the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting in the fourth year where elections are held,” Article 24.3 of the Nam Constitution reads.
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In an interview Tuesday, Ntaba said they were guided by laws.
“We are guided by Nam’s constitution,” Ntaba said.
This means Bapu, who secured 16 nominations from Nam affiliates, against incumbent President Vitumbiko Gubuduza’s nine, would not appear on the ballot.
In addition, this means Gubuduza would retain her seat unopposed.
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But Bapu, who served two terms of four years each, said she was reviewing the committee’s decision as of yesterday.
“I have taken note of the list of nominees and I am reviewing the decision to bar my candidature. I will communicate my position in due course,” Bapu said.
The decision to disqualify Bapu also comes days after a group of concerned netball stakeholders petitioned the Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) on the issue of her candidature.
Among other things, the petition alleged that there were several problems during her previous tenure.
According to MNCS guidelines, all elected officials must serve a maximum of two terms.
“All elected office bearers shall hold office for a maximum of two terms, provided that, at the commencement of these guidelines, any term not served in full shall be regarded as a first term,” the guidelines, adopted in 2022, read.
Meanwhile, the battle for the Nam vice presidency is a two-horse race between Emmie Waya Chongwe and Olive Msungama.
Waya got one nomination whereas Msungama got 21 nominations.
Incumbent Nam general secretary Yamikani Khungwa Kauma has secured 14 nominations against her challenger Mbumba Kalikokha’s 10.
Janet Chiumia and Zikubwelera Edington Chakhaza are contesting for the position of vice general secretary.
Cecilia Mtukule will go unopposed for the post of Nam treasurer; just like her deputy, Anastasia Kaphale.
