TOC to elect new leaders Dec 14, Bayi’s successor to be employed

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Olympic Committee (TOC) will elect its new leaders on December 14, this year, in Dodoma.

Speaking yesterday, TOC election committee chairman Ibrahim Mkwawa said there will be 12 positions to be contested in the body’s general meeting.

Mkwawa named the positions as those of President, Vice President, and 10 committee members—half from Tanzania Mainland and half from Zanzibar.

He explained that the position of Secretary General will no longer be contested as before.

The post, currently being held by renowned former runner Filbert Bayi, will now be a hired position. These 10 members, five from each side, must include at least two women from both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar,” said Mkwawa.

He added that nomination forms will be available from tomorrow until November 11, 2024, at the TOC headquarters in Dar es Salaam and at the offices of the Diabetes Association in Zanzibar.

“Our committee’s task is to organize, oversee, and announce the election results in accordance with the TOC constitution and election regulations,” he said.

Outlining the qualifications for candidates, Mkwawa said candidates must be Tanzanian, mentally competent, have Olympic experience, possess at least a secondary education, and have experience in national and international sports administration.

“They must not have been convicted of a criminal offence, should represent sports associations recognised by TOC, and must have attended sports training and seminars.”

He said there are additional qualifications for those seeking to contest for the positions of president and vice president. They must have a university degree, the ability to represent TOC nationally and internationally, and must not have been expelled or barred from contesting by associations under TOC.

“The fee for the nomination forms is Sh500, 000, while for committee members it is Sh200, 000,” he clarified.

Meanwhile, outgoing Secretary General Filbert Bayi said the International Olympic Committee (IOC) election guidelines require member countries to hold elections within six months after the Olympic Games.

“The new leaders to be elected will serve from 2025 to 2028,” Bayi said.

He added that the TOC general meeting will be preceded by the election for the Athletes' Commission on December 8, followed by the Olympians' election on December 10, and a seminar for General Secretaries of sports associations under TOC on December 12 in Dodoma.