AFTER all the jazz, hype, and razzmatazz surrounding the Athletics Tanzania (AT) election, especially the hot seats of president and vice president, the defining moment is finally here.

All the waiting comes to an end today in Mwanza, where delegates from the association’s affiliates will usher in a new leadership to run athletics in the country. The centre of focus will be the post of president, which has attracted four contestants- William Kallaghe, Rogart John, Nsolo Mlozi, and Angelius Likwembe.

There is moreover a two-horse race for the vice-president post between the incumbent AT's acting secretary-general, Jackson Ndaweka, and challenger Baraka Sulus. Noela Mafuru and former prominent middle-distance runner, Luiza John, are vying for the position of Women's Representative.

The contenders for the AT executive committee membership are Tullo Chambo, Silvia Rushokana, Michael Washa, Christina Paga, Alfredo Shahanga, Mwandu Jilala, Andrew Robhi, Joshua Kayombo, Shenya Imori, and Ibrahim Kwitega.

No AT election has created so much affection and attention in recent years, and the poll to be held today, and the athletics fraternity and Tanzanians will eagerly follow the proceedings as they unfold in the 'rock city'.

The AT presidency contestants were an oasis of calm in the countdown to the big day yesterday and did not appear to be in cold sweat as they put the final touches to what has been a draining period.

Kallaghe said that he will bring sanity into the association if he is elected to the post. “I have been at the AT for many years, I have the confidence that I will win the elections, but, in short, I can say my record at the association speaks,” he said.

In an interview yesterday, Ndaweka said he is optimistic that the affiliates will vote for him to accomplish his mission at AT.

He said his confidence in winning the AT vice-president post stems from his remarkable achievements during his tenure as acting AT secretary-general.

“I'm confident that I will make it. I have done a lot during my period as AT secretary-general, my proven ability to drive success and implement transformative changes, among others, positions me as the ideal candidate for a continued legacy in the country's athletics circles," Ndaweka noted.

“I firmly believe that my track record in driving success, implementing transformative changes, and gaining international recognition speaks for itself," the contender revealed.

"My confidence is further rooted in the tangible achievements we have accomplished during my tenure as AT acting secretary-general, reflecting a commitment to excellence and progress in the athletics sector,” he said.

Chambo, who has been in athletics circles for more than 15 years, said he is confident he will sail through.

He served as a Dar es Salaam Athletics Association (DAA) executive committee member from 2006 to 2010, he was the AT information officer from 2018 to 2020, and moreover operated as a member of the AT constitutional review committee in 2019.

“I will champion for genuine transformation at AT. If elected, I will work closely with the association's leadership. We want a new dawn in athletics in the country,” he said.

Leonard Thadeo, AT Election Committee Chairman, said all the preparations for today's election, to be held at a hotel in Mwanza, are ready.

“All is set for the election. We are doing final touches today, but, in short, all is set," he stated.

The official added: "Before voting in the afternoon, there will be an extraordinary executive meeting in the morning. I am appealing to all contestants to remain calm and accept the election results."