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USA, Britain criticise IWF for ignoring independent reformers’ advice on election date

International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) is ignoring advice from independent reform experts to delay its elections, which are scheduled to take place in the last week of March.

Three highly qualified advisers, all of whom hold senior roles in other sports, believe that the IWF should first adopt a new Constitution, which would determine how many positions are up for election.

One well-placed source said that if the dates remain as planned, and a new Constitution is adopted as proposed, twice as many Executive Board members as the IWF needs will be elected in March.

The same source also said that “at least six” candidates who have declared themselves for the elections may become ineligible if the date is moved back, because of strict vetting procedures that would apply under the proposed new Constitution.

Plans to have an Electoral Congress before the Constitutional Congress is “to put the cart before the horse” said Phil Andrews, chief executive of USA Weightlifting.

“The IWF should hold on any elections until it’s clear how the governance structure will work,” he said.

read also:IWF Board ousts Papandrea, appoints Thailand’s Intarat new Interim President

The International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, criticised weightlifting’s governance for the fourth time since October yesterday after the IWF changed its anti-doping rules.

The IOC has also expressed concerns about the IWF’s slow progress in governance reform and its reluctance to accept independent advice.

It also believes the Constitution should be adopted before, not after, the elections judging by comments made in October.

The IOC said in a statement that it had “strong concerns about the need for further progress to reform the IWF Constitution ahead of the potential IWF elections and any lack of acceptance of independent advice in this procedure.”

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