BAM disregards the Commissioner of Sports’ orders and continues with election

The Badminton Association of the Maldives (BAM) has come under fire for conducting election-related work despite Commissioner of Sports Mohamed Tholal’s order to postpone the election.

Tholal issued an order on Wednesday stating that the election should not be held unless the issues relating to the voting system of BAM are resolved. However, they are still carrying out election-related work.

Yesterday, the association announced that complaints should be lodged regarding the controversial voters list.

The association established Badminton Development Centres (BDCs) as a central focal point for the atolls. However, these BDC only have one person managing them and yet they cast more than hundred votes under the names of over a hundred members. Tholal also noted that the BDCs are not registered with the Office of the Commissioner of Sports.

According to him, the badminton players lodged cases with the Sports Commissioner’s office and said that they asked BAM not go ahead with the election process even before it was announced.

“Even before the announcement of the elections, we informed them via a letter that there were persisting issues such as amending the rules governing the association and that there were complaints from clubs and players”, Tholal said. “We have to look in to the complaints and amend the necessary regulations beforehand”. However, BAM announced the election and as a result, Tholal issued the order again today.

Association President Moosa Nasheed has faced criticism for continuing the election process despite being asked twice to halt it by the Commissioner of Sports.

Former General Secretary of BAM, who worked with Moosa, Ishfan Mohamed (Ippa), said the BAM should change its name to “Moosa’s Kingdom”.

In Eydhafushi, which is known for its lively badminton activities outside Male’ City, Mohamed Ikram, who previously managed a BAM centre there, criticized the decision to proceed with the election despite being advised against it by the Sports Commissioner. According to him, this decision showed a lack of respect for authority and professionalism.

BAM has decided to hold the election congress in Addu City. Ikram further stated that it would be unacceptable if Addu City Council cooperated with the election process.