Samson Ndayishimiye, a retired Rwandan swimmer who specialized in sprint freestyle events, is the sole candidate aspiring to become the next president of the Rwandan Cycling governing body (FERWACY). He will run unopposed for the top position during the much-anticipated Ferwacy elections scheduled for November 5. Ndayishimiye represented Rwanda in the men's 50 m freestyle at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. He received a ticket from FINA, now World Aquatics, under a Universality program, without meeting an entry time. He was announced on the provisional list of candidates who are running for various positions in the federation’s Executive committee. The temporal list was released on October 28 and the certified one is expected to be out on October 31 before the candidates go to the polls five days later. Other candidates on the provisional list, which was released Friday, October 27, include Valentin Bigango from Les Amis Sportif, and Madjaliwa Niyongoma of Benediction Cycling Club who are battling for the first vice-president position. Nyabihu Cycling Club member Arlette Ruyonza is also vying for the Secretary General, a position that was previously held by Benoit Munyankindi who was arrested and is now being tried on charges of using forged documents, favoritism, and nepotism during his time in office. Meanwhile, Daniel Katabarwa of Karongi Vision Sports Centre and Christine Biraro of Cycling for All are running for the position of treasurer. ALSO READ: Cycling: Ferwacy unveils roadmap for rescheduled elections Some aspirants had their nominations rejected over incomplete nomination files required to become candidates in respective positions. They have until Saturday, October 28, to complete their nomination forms so to get greenlight to run for elections. The final shortlist will be released Tuesday, October 31, five days before the elections. FERWACY is currently chaired by second vice president, Liliane Kayirebwa. She assumed office on an interim role following the sudden resignation of former president Abdallah Murenzi. Murenzi has been in office since December 2019, replacing Aimable Bayingana who, with his entire committee, resigned after two years in office due to claims of misappropriation of funds in the federation. Updated roadmap October 28: Receiving petitions and hearing appeals if any October 29-30: studying about the petitions and appeals October 31: Final list and declaration of Candidates November 1-4: Official campaigning period of declared candidates November 5, Elections & Announcing the FERWACY Executive Committee November 6: Submission of election report.
