Rowdy GNOC AGM adopts Voter list, set election date

Delegates voted overwhelmingly to adopt a voter list and set August 3 as elections into the GNOC executive bureau but there is still no definite resolution to the impasse over the GNOC voter list after an extra general assembly Saturday, called to determine eligibility of member association to vote in the stalled executive election.

At the end of bitter wrangling, characterized by exchanges of hate language, delegates voted to adopt a 24 national association and 3 individual voters list, amid bitter rancor from the opposition national associations who said each association should be scrutinized individually and its eligibility discussed instead of wholesomely considering them to be bona fide members of the GNOC. The opposition led by Presidential aspirant Sheriff Jammeh described the process a farce and vowed to fight the decision to hold elections. ‘This is complete violation of the agreement reached between all of and the ministers of Sports and Interior which called for Gambian registered national associations to vote. We are not going to accept it,’’ he warned.

Other delegates however gave a clean bill of health to the general assembly meeting, claiming that the majority of members have spoken and that has to be respected. They accused the opposition of not wanting elections for fear of losing it.

Delegates however brought an end to a long standing dispute, the suspension of Cycling Association. The general assembly voted in the majority to lift the suspension restoring the association to the membership. However swimming was asked to effect a slight name change and adopt the name Gambia Swimming Association instead of combining it with aquatics.

The bone of contention surrounding weightlifting, Rugby still remains, with bureau members claiming that those associations are not yet properly affiliated with their International federations and cannot have voting rights as per the IOC charter. The affected associations however said they have paid all their subscriptions and dues and must be taken on board.