PRESS RELEASE
26th January, 2025.
Dear fellow Mwaghavul youth and stakeholders,
Today was meant to be a day of joy and celebration—a day to mark the rebirth of the Mwaghavul Youths Movement through the culmination of a transparent and exemplary electoral process. Unfortunately, the outcome has fallen short of expectations, casting a shadow over what should have been a historic moment for our movement.
On behalf of the Electoral Committee, I tender our unreserved apologies for any actions or inactions that contributed to this disappointing outcome. We take full responsibility and humbly seek your understanding as we navigate this difficult time.
CLARIFICATION.
Fellow compatriots, we acknowledge your right to a thorough explanation of the events that led to this unfortunate situation. While some details are best reserved for the appropriate platform, here are key points for clarification:
1. UNCONSTITUTIONAL OMISSION OF CANDIDATES:
It is regrettable that certain names were unlawfully omitted from the list of contestants for the positions of Vice President and Assistant Secretary General. On the eve of the election, rumours surfaced about a consensus among some candidates.
Regardless of the outcome, such last-minute decisions should not have impacted the ballot papers, especially after the manifesto had taken place. Unfortunately, the confidentiality surrounding sensitive election materials was compromised at the last moment.
This abrupt and unilateral decision left many within the Electoral Committee deeply aggrieved. Nonetheless, we have chosen not to assign blame or delve into unnecessary details publicly, as our focus is on unity and forward progress.
2. MISREPRESENTATION ON BALLOT PAPERS:
For the position of National Financial Secretary, while the pictures of the two candidates were correct, the name of one aspirant was mistakenly replaced with that of a candidate for National President.
This grave error caused significant confusion, frustration, and distrust among stakeholders. Despite instructions from the Electoral Committee Chairman to withdraw the faulty ballot sheets, the situation escalated and led to a widespread boycott.
3. OTHER CONTRIBUTING FACTORS:
While there were other minor issues, they do not merit detailed discussion in this space.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
We understand that no explanation can erase the disappointment caused by these events. As the Electoral Committee, we deeply regret the following:
1. Aspirants and their supporters invested significant resources and effort in the hope of selflessly serving the community, only for the process to end unsuccessfully.
2. Precious time and energy were expended without achieving the desired outcome
3. Many individuals, including those from diaspora branches, traveled far and wide, demonstrating their patriotism and commitment to the movement, only for their efforts to end in futility
4. The image of the Mwaghavul Youths Movement, and by extension, our nation, has been tarnished.
For these and other setbacks, we sincerely apologise.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Despite the challenges, the Electoral Committee remains united and committed to setting the record straight—not by conducting another election, but by ensuring transparency and accountability. Moving forward, we recommend the following:
1. INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION:
An independent investigative committee should be constituted under the auspices of the Supreme Palace of the Mishkagham Kam to identify the underlying causes of the election’s failure. Anyone found culpable should face appropriate sanctions. However, let us remember not to “throw away the baby with the bathwater.”
2. CLARIFICATION ON BALLOT PAPERS:
Claims circulating about purported black-and-white papers assumed to be the official ballot papers are false. The official ballot papers were printed in colour as booklets, complete with the digital pictures of all aspirants. These have not been publicised.
3. REBUTTAL OF RESIGNATION RUMOURS:
The rumours alleging the resignation of the committee secretary are untrue. The Secretary formally refuted these claims in our meeting at the MDA National Secretariat and before the MYM National President, National Legal Advisor, and Ex-Officio a day before the election.
He was present during the early hours of the manifesto and later excused himself to attend to sympathisers following the demise of his mother. May her soul rest in peace, amen.
4. OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENT AND DISENGAGEMENT:
To date, we have not received any official communication from the MYM National Executive, MDA leadership, or the Mishkagham Kam regarding our status. Knowing how crafty and manipulative narratives on social media can be, we recommend that, just as we were officially engaged for this responsibility, we should also be officially disengaged when the need arises.
FINAL APPEAL.
Rather than dwelling on this setback, let us channel our energy into prayers, encouragement, and collective efforts to rebuild the Mwaghavul Youths Movement.
Our movement is greater than any single election, and with unity and resolve, we can restore its integrity and purpose. We also appreciate those who have advised, encouraged, and even criticised this situation in love.
Remember, the future holds responsibilities for us all, and tomorrow, any one of us could be called upon to lead. We need one another for the unseen journey ahead.
Thank you for your understanding, support, and unwavering commitment to the progress of our movement.
Yours sincerely,
NASHIK J. DAYA,
Director of Media and Publicity, MYM National Electoral Committee 2024/2025