The IOC is electing a new president after Thomas Bach’s resignation. Seven candidates, including Sebastian Coe and Kirsty Coventry, are competing. The election will proceed via secret ballots to determine the new leader, requiring a majority vote.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is set to elect a new president today, following the resignation of Thomas Bach after a twelve-year tenure. Bach transitions to the role of Honorary President for Life, expressing mixed emotions regarding his departure. This election features seven candidates, all of whom have submitted detailed candidature documents, accessible through their respective pages on the IOC website and also summarized at insidethegames.
The candidates include HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein from Jordan, David Lappartient of France, Johan Eliasch, representing Great Britain, Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. from Spain, Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry, Sebastian Coe of the United Kingdom, and Morinare Watanabe, president of the International Gymnastics Federation from Japan. Each candidate brings a distinct background from various sports and leadership roles.
The election process involves a secret ballot among 109 IOC members, although only 106 are expected to attend. Candidates and their compatriots cannot vote until they are either elected or eliminated. A simple majority is required for election, and in the absence of a majority, the process continues through elimination rounds until a candidate secures enough votes.
In summary, today marks a pivotal moment for the IOC as it seeks a new leader, following Thomas Bach’s long-term presidency. Seven candidates are in contention, each with diverse sports backgrounds and leadership experience. The election will proceed through a series of secret ballots, emphasizing transparency and member participation, and the final outcomes will shape the future direction of the Olympic movement.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
