The race for the Benfica presidency is heating up. Martim Mayer, one of the candidates, spoke out after a key meeting held this past Tuesday. This gathering brought together various candidate groups and the General Assembly Board (MAG).
Mayer didn’t hold back, calling the absence of current president Rui Costa a “notable lack of consideration.” He felt it disrespected both the election process and other candidates. Yet, not all news was bad for Mayer. He expressed satisfaction with efforts to make these elections truly universal. This comes through a new electronic voting system. The MAG explained this method ensures “full certainty and security.” It also fully meets the requirements of Benfica’s new Statutes.
A Critical Meeting
The MAG had invited representatives from all announced candidacies. The goal was to clarify the proposed Election Regulation. This proposal came from the club’s Board of Directors. Every candidate group showed up, except for current President Rui Costa’s. This absence struck many as a clear sign of disrespect. It seemed to disregard the election itself and the other people running.
Even worse, no one from the Board itself attended. This is the body that put forward the Regulation proposal. Their absence meant they couldn’t hear other candidates’ ideas. They also couldn’t answer any questions about the proposal. So, the MAG tried to clear things up about the Regulation. They answered questions from the candidates. But mostly, they just said they would pass on all observations to the Board.
The Promise of Electronic Voting
One big positive, Mayer noted, was the push for electronic voting. This method aims for true universal participation. The MAG shared that it offers “full certainty and security.” It also fully meets the club’s new Statutes. A certified company will soon reveal the details of this election process.
Mayer believes a well-planned electronic vote will bring more members into club life than ever before. He truly hopes no candidate tries to block this universal approach. Benfica’s own statutes openly call for this kind of participation. Regarding the election rules, Mayer trusts the MAG will deliver all concerns to the Board. This includes worries raised by his own team and others.
A Call for Consensus
Mayer made his final point clear: approving election rules is key. All candidates must agree on them. This protects Benfica’s best interests, he said. “We will do everything,” Mayer stated, “to ensure members in over 120 countries can vote.” He added that electronic voting is the only way for those on islands or living abroad to cast their ballots. For him, all candidates should stand for the members, not just their own chances of winning.