The candidates vying for the presidency of the Ethiopian Athletics Federation have pledged to ensure transparency in the electoral process and address the challenges facing Ethiopian athletics. During a televised debate on ETV, the contenders presented their visions, highlighting key reforms and strategies to advance the sport.
Transparency in Elections
All candidates emphasized their commitment to organizing a fair and transparent election, assuring athletes and stakeholders of an inclusive process. They also agreed on the importance of implementing clear guidelines to ensure that the elections reflect the collective interests of the athletic community.
Candidate Profiles and Platforms
1. Athlete Gebre-Egziabher Gebremariam
- Vision: Gebremariam stated his commitment to adhering strictly to the Federation’s regulations and guidelines. He pledged to address challenges by fostering unity and ensuring collective decision-making.
- Focus: Establishing a transparent electoral framework and promoting collaboration among stakeholders.
2. Ato Yaye Addis
- Vision: Addis highlighted leadership deficiencies as the root cause of athletes’ dissatisfaction. He vowed to provide effective leadership that addresses grievances and meets public expectations.
- Focus: Resolving governance challenges and ensuring all athletes’ needs are met.
3. Athlete Selemon Sileshi
- Vision: Sileshi advocated for institutional reform, emphasizing the need for a modernized and well-structured federation. He promised to enhance professional support for athletes and coaches.
- Focus: Implementing reforms to make the Federation more efficient and professional.
4. W/o Risal Opiyo
- Vision: Opiyo underscored the lack of accountability and leadership as major challenges. She pledged to develop comprehensive guidelines for elections to ensure fairness.
- Focus: Collaborating with experts to resolve related challenges and enhance transparency.
5. Commander Girma Daba
- Vision: Daba identified poor enforcement of rules as a critical issue. He promised to ensure proper implementation of regulations and prioritize accountability.
- Focus: Strengthening governance and promoting adherence to rules.
6. Engineer Getu Geremew
- Vision: Geremew highlighted the gap in operational efficiency and vowed to tackle organizational shortcomings. He proposed short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to address athlete concerns.
- Focus: Collaborating with stakeholders to modernize the Federation’s structure.
7. Ato Dube Jilo
- Vision: Jilo emphasized that fair and inclusive elections are key to resolving athletes’ complaints. He pledged to work toward developing comprehensive election standards acceptable to all.
- Focus: Ensuring participatory decision-making and equitable elections.
Common Goals
Across the board, candidates agreed on the need for transparency, accountability, and modernization of the Federation. They committed to addressing leadership gaps, improving governance, and ensuring athletes and coaches receive sustained professional support.
The Road Ahead
The upcoming election will determine who will lead Ethiopian athletics into a new era. With strong pledges from all candidates, the focus remains on overcoming existing challenges and fostering an environment that supports athletes’ growth and development.
