By Aja Beyai
The Gambia Women’s Football Association (GWFA) Elective Congress was abruptly suspended today, marred by disputes over constitutional procedures and candidate eligibility.
The highly anticipated vote, intended to either re-elect the current executive or install new leadership, was brought to a standstill following protests from various stakeholders at the FIFA Goal Project.
The primary concerns revolved around the Electoral Committee’s formation, which delegates argued was introduced on the day of the Congress, violating the association’s constitution.
According to the constitution, the Electoral Committee should have been officially introduced prior to the voting day. This procedural lapse fueled significant disagreement and contributed to the suspension of the elections.
Adding to the turmoil were eligibility issues surrounding the two presidential candidates, Adama Jarju and Sainabou Cham. Jarju presented her ID and a certificate of character, but lacked documentation proving five years of active involvement in football.
Cham, on the other hand, submitted proof of football engagement but failed to provide a certificate of character. The association’s constitution further complicates matters, stipulating that executive committee members must be at least 25 years old and be Gambian or residents who have at least five years of involvement in football and must not have been convicted of a felony.
The GWFA Congress was brought to an abrupt halt due to arguments about the two presidential candidates. There were also concerns about the lack of a complete financial report. The Electoral Committee suggested a new election date, but this was met with opposition.
GWFA is now left without leadership as the former executive was formally dissolved.
