MOTORSPORT enthusiasts in Uganda are on their knees in prayer as world motorsport's governing body, the FIA, goes to the polls in Paris, France today, writes Douglas Mazune.
Uganda and Africa in general have a big stake in the close contest between FIA presidential candidates Ari Vatanen of Finland and Frenchman Jean Todt, as Ugandan Jack Wavamunno stands to scoop the position of vice presidency.
Uganda and a number of African countries have thrown their weight behind Vatanen whose victory will see Wavamunno become the first black African vice-president.
Vatanen, who had earlier been dismissed as an underdog, threw the Max Mosely backed Todt camp into panic after the Finn’s trip across emerging nations, including Uganda, yielded tremendous support. Over the weekend, the Vatanen campaign gathered momentum and he was reported to have hit 98 votes of required 104.
Both camps arrived in Paris early to canvass support as delegates arrive for what is expected to be a hotly contested poll.
Wavamunno, who has been on the campaign trail with Vatanen for the last three weeks, is also contesting for a seat in the powerful World Motor Sport Council (WMSC). He is one of the 40 nominees vying for the 14 slots on the WMSC.
A number of key elections will take place during the FIA general assembly today. The most prominent will be the election of president and the members of the World Council Automobile, Mobility and Tourism (WCAMT) and the World Motor Sport Council.
Source: New Vision Online
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Tags: africa, ari vatanen, ballot, elections, fia president, hoping, jack wavamunno, praying, uganda, vice president, vote, wins, wmsc
