BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Vitumbiko Gubuduza is poised to retain his presidency at the Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) without contest, following the unexpected withdrawal of his sole challenger, Carol Bapu, ahead of the elections slated for August 23, 2025, in Lilongwe.

Bapu, a former general secretary of NAM, had expressed intent to contest for the presidency but has now opted out after deciding not to pursue a legal route over a contentious eligibility issue.

She had questioned the interpretation of the NAM constitution regarding term limits and the eligibility of former office bearers to seek re-election.

At the center of the dispute was a clause in the NAM constitution that appears to restrict former office bearers from vying for new positions.

According to Bapu, the rule should apply only to individuals seeking re-election in the same position, not those aspiring for a different role like she was.

However, Gubuduza’s camp interpreted the provision to mean any former executive member who has served two consecutive terms is disqualified from holding any leadership post, effectively barring Bapu from contesting.

In a statement, Bapu confirmed she would not proceed to court to challenge the matter, citing the need to preserve unity in the netball fraternity and avoid protracted legal battles that could distract from the sport’s development.

Bapu stepping aside, Gubuduza now remains unchallenged and is expected to be declared president for another term at the upcoming elective conference.