Caresburge City, Montserrado County – Over the course of the next three years, the Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL) will be led by a new breed of leaders chosen at an elective congress. On Saturday, December 9, 2023, the Congress took place at Caresburge City, Montserrado County’s Wurki Farm.
Varma Kamara, a former reporter for Truth FM, was elected president after narrowly defeating Trojan Molley Kiazulu of Prime FM with 55-49 votes. Christopher Walker, the sports editor for Frontpage Africa, defeated Nathaniel Tokpah of Gompa FC to win the vice presidential position.
Meanwhile, Truth FM’s Edwin Dolo was chosen as general secretary. By a vote of 59 to 46, he defeated William Decent-Toe, the ELBC Margibi County Correspondent. On a white ballot, Yusu Sheriff, Jerome Willie, and Naomi Tappia were chosen to serve as chairplain, assistant secretary general, and financial secretary, respectively.
All of the election winners ran on the Integrity Team with the goal of transforming the organisation and introducing integrity. Nonetheless, for the preceding three years, Mr. Edwin Dolo and Miss Naomi Tappia led the Kolubah Zayzay, while Mr. Varma Kamara held the position of Vice President.While Mr. Dolo moved from Assistant Secretary to General Secretary, Miss Tappia kept her job.
Following the elections, the President-Elect, Mr. Varma Kamara, appreciated his professional colleagues for electing him.
“I am very thankful to the Almighty God for His abundant blessings and courage to have me reach another height of my profession to serve.”
“The Wulki’s Farm elective congress was indeed a tight race and a learning curve for me personally and my entire team.”
He added that, regardless of the stance each member took during the elections, they did not approach the leadership with the intent to incite animosity towards anyone or to reopen old wounds. Instead, he urged everyone to join forces and put their best foot forward in order to elevate the organisation.
“This is the first time in nearly 10 years for SWAL to participate in such a peaceful and democratic process. Additionally, I’m grateful to the Melton Yoko-led elections committee for putting together a credible and open process in the face of significant obstacles. We also want to hail Team Trojan, comprising Trojan Kiazolu, Nathaniel Tokpa, and William Decent Toe, for their participation and gracious acceptance of defeat in the just-ended process.”
Additionally, Mr. Kamara expressed gratitude to outgoing SWAL President Kolubah Zayzay for his years of leadership.
Sports fans have been congratulating each other since the elections for such a pleasant democratic process. One of the notable ones is from the Club Presidents Association of Liberia (CPAL).
CPAL in a statement signed by its chairman,Chris G. Weah, said it hopes that the new leadership will work expeditiously to unite the association in the best interest of sports in Liberia.
“We can assure you, the new leadership, of our unwavering commitment and support to your leadership,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the SWAL Elections Committee chairman, Melton Yoko , congratulated all members for coming out to vote and commended the aspirants for their cooperation throughout the journey and having displayed professionalism during the campaign.
The electoral process saw 105 out of 134 eligible votes participate.
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Reported by: Sylvester Tamba
Contact: +231776687195
