[Published: Monday June 14 2010]
No winner for Mo Ibrahim 2010 Prize
London, 14 June-(ANA)-The Prize Committee of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation has failed to select a winner for 2010 Prize, the second time in two years that no winner has emerged.
The Ibrahim Prize recognises and celebrates excellence in African leadership. The prize is awarded to a democratically elected former African Executive Head of State or Government who has served their term in office within the limits set by the country's constitution and has left office in the last three years.
Last year the Prize Committee announced that it had considered some credible candidates, but after in depth review could not select a winner. This year the Committee told the Board that there had been no new candidates or new developments and that therefore no selection of a winner had been made.
The first winner of the Prize was Joaquim Chissano, former President of Mozambique in 2007, followed by Festus Mogae, former President of Botswana in 2008. In addition Nelson Mandela was made an Honorary Laureate in 2007.
Responding to the Prize Committee’s decision, Mo Ibrahim, the founder and Chairman of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, said:
“The Board respects the decision of the Prize Committee not to select a winner for the 2010 prize. The Prize Committee, which is independent from the Board, is a unique repository of experience and expertise.
“Whether there is a winner or not, the purpose of the Foundation is to challenge those in Africa and across the world to debate what constitutes excellence in leadership.
“The standards set for the Prize winner are high, and the number of potential candidates each year is small. So it is likely that there will be years when no Prize is awarded…..” (ANA)
FA/ANA/14 June 2010------- |