Several member clubs within the association are advocating for elections to be conducted in alignment with the recently approved foundational regulations during Volleyball Association of Maldives' (VAM) congress earlier this month.
VAM's congress convened for the first time in three years on the third day of this month. The Congress did not publicly disclose its approved resolutions.
In April 2021, the Sports Commissioner mandated VAM to revise its foundational rules within 90 days. However, the revisions were not executed within the stipulated time frame.
After a lapse of more than three years, the new foundational rules were endorsed during the November 3 congress. The congress additionally approved the annual report and budget for the past three years.
Mohamed Sharaf, Vice-President and Coach of Volleyball Youth New Generation, participated in a press conference held by some clubs yesterday to disseminate public information about the Congress. He emphasized, "Elections for the association must now take place," citing Article 56 of the constitution.
Article 56 of the new Basic Rules, as passed by the VAM Congress:
Enforcement of Rules and Regulations
(a) These governing regulations shall become effective from the date they are passed by a sitting of congress.
(b) The Election of the Governing Committee of the Association must occur, and a new Governing Committee should be elected within a maximum period of 10 days from the date of passage by a meeting of the Congress.
Sharaf pointed out, "Today is the last day for the election. It clearly states that elections have to be held within 10 days. However, nothing has been communicated about it yet, and I don't know why."
VAM Election Oversight Sparks Concerns and Questions
Mohamed Latheef, former president of VAM and current president of club volleyball, revealed that 11 out of the 18 member clubs have signed up and requested an extraordinary congress due to the absence of elections within the stipulated time. Latheef emphasized that a formal request has been included in the letter to conduct the elections in adherence to the basic rules.
Latheef, also the president of the Asia Central Zone Volleyball Association, proposed that VAM should convene a congress if a specific number of clubs request an extraordinary congress.
"At present, volleyball cannot decide on the affairs of the association because only two or three people from the association are involved. If the entire Congress desires, everything can be decided," Latheef added.
The November 3, 2023, congress marked a pivotal moment, opening a new chapter for the clubs and the governing committee of the Volleyball Association to collaborate on volleyball-related initiatives.
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