Gor polls in ‘the next six weeks’

Gor Mahia will hold elections ‘within six weeks’ after Sunday’s aborted polls at the Nyayo National Stadium.

In a letter to outgoing chairman, Ambrose Rachier, FKF boss Sam Nyamweya directed the club to hold elections under the Sports Act.

This means Gor will need to change their constitution to conform with the Act, meaning the club may decide to do away with some positions and at the same time extend the term of sitting officials to four.

According to the Act, all federations/clubs will have to register afresh and conform with the requirements of the act.

The Act also states that: “Elections of officials (of sports organisations)  will  be held every four  years, and elected officials will hold office for a maximum of four years but may be eligible to be elected for only one further term of four years.”

Monday, outgoing Gor officials were still trying to find the safest way out of the crisis that has come at a time when the club is preparing for the Caf Champions League and is also expected to sign new players.

“It is very sensitive at the moment because we need to be signing new players and negotiating to extend contracts with some other players,” said secretary-general George Bwana.

SORT OUT INTERNAL MATTERS

Bwana said they will look into the Act and organise fresh elections.

“We thank the federation for giving us some extension to sort our internal matters. It gives us a chance to deeply look into our constitution and review to conform with the modern times,” said Bwana.

In his letter, Nyamweya said: “Our notice has been drawn to the fact that your club elections which were to be held on Saturday at the Nyayo National Stadium were not geld as a result of acts of hooliganism perpetrated by a section of the attendees who burnt the ballot papers just when voting was to commence.

“We are further advised that the Gor Mahia office had been dissolved by the time hooligans were destroying the ballot papers and other election materials.
“We as a federation  cannot allow a vacuum in the leadership of any club. We therefore... mandate you and your office bearers who were serving until yesterday more  particularly when you are facing a continental campaign next year to remain in office and continue to run the affairs of the of the club up to and including January 30.”

At the same time, Gor Mahia patron Raila Odinga has appealed to the team to rally behind the current management until elections are held to usher in new officials.

Odinga also appealed to Gor fans to exercise restraint and remain calm as the team prepares for fresh elections. He appealed to the players and the technical bench to support the current management and remain committed and focused as the club prepares for its continental assignment after a long fought battle.