Politics is everywhere. No institution, no matter how noble its purpose, is immune to the creeping influence of political maneuvering.

The hard truth is that when politics infiltrate sports, especially a beloved game like netball in Malawi, it risks destroying the very spirit of fair play and unity that sports are supposed to embody.

Today’s hard truth focuses squarely on the Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) and the blatant political machinations that have marred its recent electoral process.

The hard truth is that the NAM Independent and Impartial Elections Committee has exposed itself as anything but impartial.

In a move that reeks of political bias, the committee barred Carol Bapu, the former General Secretary of NAM, from contesting the presidency.

The official justification was that she had already served two consecutive terms as secretary general and therefore was ineligible for the presidency. The hard truth is this reasoning is a thinly veiled excuse, unsupported by the NAM constitution.

The document itself does not explicitly state that serving two consecutive terms in one position disqualifies a candidate from running for another office, let alone the presidency.

The hard truth is that the NAM elections committee deliberately exploited a loophole—or rather created an imaginary rule—to suit their preferred candidate.

The committee’s decision smacks of favoritism rather than fairness, an attempt to sideline a formidable contender under the guise of constitutional interpretation.

The hard truth is that many legal experts and learners in law who examined the constitution agree that Carol Bapu was entirely eligible to stand for the presidency.

The committee’s action was not just questionable but a direct affront to the democratic principles the association should uphold.

The hard truth is that Carol Bapu’s popularity within the netball fraternity is undeniable. She received 16 nominations from affiliates, a clear testament to her support and the confidence many have in her leadership potential. Her opponent, the incumbent president Vitumbiko Gubuduza, garnered only 9 nominations and will now stand unopposed after Carol’s disqualification.

The hard truth is that this scenario speaks volumes about the committee’s true motive: to protect the status quo by eliminating a strong challenger through political manipulation.

The hard truth is that such actions by the elections committee do more harm than good. They breed cynicism and distrust among players, officials, and supporters of netball in Malawi.

Instead of fostering healthy competition and encouraging capable leadership, the committee’s decision sends a message that political favoritism trumps merit and fairness.

The hard truth is that this kind of conduct will ultimately kill the sport’s growth and credibility in the country.

The hard truth is that sports should be a sanctuary from political interference, a place where talent, dedication, and fairness reign supreme.

Yet, in this case, the very body tasked with ensuring a transparent and just election has become a tool for political exclusion.

The hard truth is that the NAM elections committee has chosen sides, and in doing so, it has undermined the values that netball stands for.

The hard truth is that many will be disheartened by this blatant disregard for fairness. Carol Bapu’s exclusion denies netball in Malawi an opportunity for fresh leadership and new ideas.

The hard truth is that the committee’s actions reflect deeper systemic problems within the governance of netball in Malawi—problems that need urgent addressing if the sport is to thrive.

The hard truth is that the committee’s decision is a clear example of how politics can poison even the most well-intentioned institutions.

By barring Carol Bapu on questionable grounds, the elections committee has shown a lack of respect for the sport’s stakeholders and a willingness to bend rules for political convenience.

The hard truth is that if such practices continue unchecked, netball in Malawi will suffer irreparable damage, losing the trust of its players, fans, and sponsors alike.

The hard truth is that the elections committee’s behavior is not just disappointing; it is dangerous. It erodes the foundation of trust necessary for any sporting body to function effectively.

The hard truth is that netball deserves better—a leadership election free from manipulation, free from favoritism, and rooted in transparency and fairness.

The hard truth is that the NAM elections committee must be held accountable.

They must explain why they chose to ignore the constitution’s clear language and why they opted to silence a strong contender.

The hard truth is that Malawi’s netball community deserves answers and, more importantly, reforms that will prevent such politically motivated interference in the future.

The hard truth is that politics will always be part of human organizations, but it should never be allowed to overshadow integrity and fairness.

The hard truth is that when politics dominate sports administration, the spirit of the game suffers—and so do the players and fans who cherish it.

The hard truth is that the Netball Association of Malawi’s elections committee has failed the sport, its members, and the nation.

By barring Carol Bapu on dubious grounds, they have shown their hand as political actors rather than impartial arbiters.

The hard truth is that this is a dark chapter for netball in Malawi—one that must serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders to demand transparency, accountability, and true democracy in the governance of their beloved sport.

Without these, the future of netball in Malawi looks bleak, tainted by the very politics that should have no place on the court.

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