JEDDAH, 4 November 2007 — Prince Sultan ibn Fahd, head of the Youth Welfare Presidency, yesterday announced the presidency’s plan to hold elections for the boards of the Saudi Olympic Committee and various sports federations. The elections are being held for the first time in the Kingdom’s history.
Addressing a press conference in Riyadh, the prince said the elections would be conducted in 10 phases beginning today (Nov. 4, 2007) until the second week of Rabiul Awwal 1429H.
He said elections were planned to enable Saudi sport to reach international levels and boost Saudi achievements on the world stage.
A visual presentation was made on the whole election process, including on the dates of voting, counting and the formation of the boards of directors. Prince Sultan also launched the website for the election campaign.
Prince Nawaf ibn Faisal, vice president of the presidency, described the elections as a major turning point in the progress of youth and sports activities in the Kingdom. He described sports as an important means to establish contacts with other nations and cultures of the world.
“It is a vital platform to raise the Kingdom’s flag high at international sports events,” Nawaf was quoted as saying by the Saudi Press Agency. He said Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah had approved the election proposal, making use of the experience of the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs in the field.
Election rules and regulations have been set with the help of experts from Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries. Previously the general assemblies elected the boards of sports federations. He said a special panel has already revised the unified executive bylaws of sports federations.
“The election will be a major step toward developing sports and will have a positive impact on the Kingdom’s sports,” Prince Nawaf said.
