Athletics Namibia elects Fredericks as president

Frank Fredericks has been elected as the President of Athletics Namibia (AN) after seven of the eight regions in attendance voted for him in a rescheduled election at the Special Elective Congress in Otjiwarongo yesterday.

Fredericks’ election brought to a close the impasse that had surrounded Athletics Namibia since the earlier disputed elections on November 28, 2008 ended in a stalemate when the incumbent, Alpha Kangueehi and Frank Fredericks both garnered four votes.

Due to the failure to resolve the issues, an Interim Committee made-up of Dr Donovan Zealand, Abner Xoagub and Agnes Samaria was appointed in January 2009 to run the affairs of AN until a new president is elected at a congress scheduled for February 28, 2009.

But, consequent on the visit of IAAF representative and secretary general of the World Athletics Foundation, Cheikh Thiare, in May and subsequent meetings with various stakeholders within athletics, the congress held on February 28 was declared null and void.

In yesterday's election, Frank Slabbert was unanimously elected as Secretary-General after his rival, Charles Gordon fail to sign his nomination acceptance letter.

Four new Vice Presidents; Alna Similo, Job Haindura, Linus Domingo and Modestus Mwila as well as other officials were also elected to the AN board.