Key Details of the Upcoming FERWAFA Elections
The Football Federation of Rwanda (FERWAFA) has set a clear timeline for the upcoming election of its new executive committee, which will take place on August 30. This decision was announced by the federation’s secretariat on Monday, marking an important step in the organization’s leadership transition.
The current interim committee, led by President Alphonse Munyantwari, has been in office since June 2023. Munyantwari assumed the role following the resignation of his predecessor, Olivier Mugabo, who stepped down for personal reasons. The transition highlights the need for fresh leadership and renewed focus on the development of football in Rwanda.
According to Jean Claude Rugera, president of the Ferwafa Electoral Commission, the process for selecting candidates will begin on July 10. During this period, interested individuals can submit their applications. The commission will review all submissions between July 21 and July 26, with the provisional list of approved candidates expected to be released on July 28.
Candidates whose applications are rejected will have the opportunity to appeal their decisions between July 30 and August 4. This ensures that the process is fair and transparent. The final list of candidates will be officially announced on August 12, setting the stage for the next phase of the election.
Election Campaign Timeline
Once the final list of candidates is confirmed, the campaign period will commence on August 13. This campaign will run through August 29, just one day before the actual election on August 30. The timing allows for adequate promotion of each candidate’s platform while ensuring that the voting process remains focused and efficient.
The new election format introduces a structured approach to selecting the executive committee. Each presidential candidate must present a comprehensive list of members for the executive committee. This ensures that the leadership team reflects a balanced representation of different areas within the federation.
Positions in the New Executive Committee
The new executive committee will consist of several key roles, including:
- President
- First Vice President in charge of Finance and Administration
- Second Vice President in charge of Technical Matters
- Commissioner in charge of Finance
- Commissioner in charge of Women’s Football
- Commissioner in charge of Organizing Committee for FERWAFA Competitions
- Commissioner in charge of Technical and Development Committee
- Commissioner in charge of Legal and Governance Committee
- Commissioner in charge of Refereeing Committee
- Commissioner in charge of Medical Committee
Importantly, the list must include at least three women, with one of them holding either the position of President, First Vice President, or Second Vice President. This requirement underscores the federation’s commitment to gender equality and diversity in leadership.
A Step Toward Inclusive Leadership
The upcoming elections represent a significant milestone for FERWAFA as it seeks to strengthen its governance structure and promote inclusivity. By ensuring a diverse and well-rounded executive committee, the federation aims to address various challenges and opportunities in the football landscape of Rwanda.
As the election date approaches, all stakeholders will be closely watching the developments, eager to see how the new leadership will shape the future of football in the country. The process is not only about selecting leaders but also about building a stronger, more representative organization that can drive progress and growth in the sport.
