IOC Confident in GOC Election Results

The IOC says based on what it knows, it has no reason to doubt the outcome of the Ghana Olympic Committee election Oct. 29-30.

One of the first orders of business for Francis Dodoo may be an official presidential portrait. (Penn State University)

Francis Dodoo defeated Frank Appiah for the GOC presidency after a 19-hour meeting. Appiah said he would challenge the results.

However, Emmanuelle Moreau, a spokesperson for the IOC, says they are "well aware" of the tumultuous lead-up to the vote, including allegations that Appiah's backers rigged the vote in his favor.

To ensure a proper election took place, the IOC and ANOCA appointed an observer to monitor the vote.

"We are currently awaiting his report and the official documents from the GOC General Assembly," Moreau said.

"However, based on the preliminary information that we have received thus far, we have no particular reason to question the outcomes or decisions of this Elective General Assembly.

"The IOC took a strong stance with regard to preparations for the GOC election process and urged the outgoing GOC officers to organize a democratic, free, fair, transparent and open election. We also advised them, in accordance with the GOC Constitution, to respect the decisions of the GOC General Assembly as the highest decision-making body of the GOC."

The election clears the way for Ghana to avoid a return to the IOC sin box; in January the IOC suspended, but later restored the status of the NOC, pending proper elections. Quarrels over a new election have plagued the NOC for two years.

Source: Written by Ann Cantrell with reporting from Ed Hula III in Lausanne.