You Lions, you Clubs, you have the FREEDOM to choose YOUR CANDIDATE and not let yourself be dictated to!

My dear fellow Lions,

We have reached the end of the Area Forums season for this year. And it is with immense joy and great enthusiasm that I have been able to participate in most of them. I particularly enjoyed our meetings and exchanges as well as the hospitality of Lions everywhere in the world. I have been particularly touched by all the signs of affection and support you have shown towards me, and I sincerely thank you for that.

I am a candidate for the position of International Third Vice President of Lions Clubs International, but unfortunately, during most of the Forums I was denied addressing the participants at plenary sessions. I regret to see the difference in treatment given to different candidates. Indeed, there are several candidates for the position of International Third Vice President!

– Why pretend as if there was only one candidate?

– Why not grant the same conditions and the same speaking time to all candidates, as in any democratic election?

– Finally, and while Africa is given a chance to ascend to this office, then why deny the candidate endorsed by Africa (me)?

So, my dear friends, I ask you, is this really what we want for our association? Is it in line with the values bequeathed by our founder? Is this what we want to pass on to future generations?

Remember that everything is still possible. Until the election which is scheduled in Melbourne in June 2024, no one can claim to know the future International Third Vice President.

You Lions, you Clubs, you have the FREEDOM to choose YOUR CANDIDATE and not let yourself be dictated to!

My dear friends, I’ll see you in Melbourne and until then, may the sun shine on all of you.