Ali Thameem
The Badminton Association’s elections have been postponed indefinitely, according to a publication released by the association.
For the past few weeks, BAM has been embroiled in turmoil; allegations of corruption, including a conflict of interest in leasing its premises, and that of a resurfaced shuttle-deals scandal, and misuse of authority in the association’s electoral process – for which the Sports Commissioner himself has ordered BAM to put the election on hold until certain policies in its AoA are amended.
The Anti-Corruption Commission of the Maldives has also intervened, raiding the BAM offices earlier this week, amid the allegations of conflict of interest. The ACC has also ordered the association to halt its elections.
The postponement of the BAM elections – previously scheduled to be held tomorrow night at the Equatorial Village in Addu – further adds to the uncertainty of BAM’s future. The incumbent executive committee’s term has expired on the 11th of this March.
The Sports Commissioner has urged BAM to seek counsel from the World Badminton Federation regarding the status quo, by coordinating with the Olympics Committee of the Maldives, to ensure BAM abides by due process, avoids further malpractice, and holds a fair election.
