Announcing the Commonwealth Chemistry election candidates ahead of the elections.
A call for nominations for the three elected vacancies was put to the Society Members and 9 complete and valid nominations were received. 3 for the position of President-Elect and 6 for the position of Executive Board member. We can now confirm the Commonwealth Chemistry election candidates.
Succesful candidates put forward for the position of President-Elect of Commonwealth Chemistry are:
- Professor Janitha Abeywickrema Liyange, Sri Lanka
- Professor Sarah Masters, New Zealand
- Dr Baagi Thema Mmereki, Botswana
Recorded statements for the 2026 President-Elect candidates
Candidates put forward for the position of Executive Board member of Commonwealth Chemistry are:
- Professor Lawrence Sheringham Borquaye, Ghana
- Professor Mosotho J. George, Lesotho
- Professor Bice Martincigh, Canada
- Dr AKM Lutfor Rahman, Bangladesh
- Professor Rufus Sha’Ato, Nigeria
- Dr Laksiri Weerasinghe, Sri Lanka
What happens next?
The elections will take place in March 2026 and the Society Members of Commonwealth Chemistry will vote online to elect the next members of the Commonwealth Chemistry Executive Board. In addition to these vacancies, there are also two appointed positions that will become vacant in 2026. The Commonwealth Chemistry Executive Board will make decisions regarding these appointments shortly after the elections have taken place. Due to the Federation’s need for equality and diversity amongst Executive Board members, the following will be considered when appointed positions are discussed:
- subject knowledge and balance;
- geographical and subject distribution;
- gender, ethnic and age balance;
- balance of academic, industrial and other relevant experience;
- ability to commit time and energy to the role; and
- knowledge of and involvement in national and international chemistry.
We will announce the outcomes of the elections and appointed positions via our website and also through our social media channels on Facebook and LinkedIn.