The IOC presidential election is underway, with no clear frontrunner leading up to the voting on Thursday in Greece. Candidates are vying for support, reflecting an unpredictable outcome. Key issues for the next president include sustainability, political neutrality, and gender equity, making this a historic moment for the Olympic Movement.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is set to elect its 10th president amidst uncertainty, with no clear frontrunner ahead of the voting on Thursday. The election, being held during the 144th Session in Costa Navarino, Greece, marks the last for outgoing president Thomas Bach and is considered one of the most unpredictable in recent history.
IOC Executive Board member Li Lingwei noted the intensity of this election, indicating that every candidate has unique strengths and members are making thoughtful evaluations. David Lappartient, one of the seven candidates and president of the International Cycling Union, believes the voting will extend through multiple rounds, likening the process to a cycling race where the outcome remains uncertain.
Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., another prominent candidate, emphasized the confidentiality of members’ votes, warning against interpreting gestures as endorsements. He pledged to work diligently until the last moment before voting begins. With over 100 ballots, the election will utilize a secret ballot system, eliminating the lowest candidate in successive rounds until a majority is achieved.
Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, maintained silence in anticipation, only stating he is still in the race. Kirsty Coventry, the only female and first African candidate, is considered a potential successor to Bach. Prince Feisal bin Hussein expressed his confidence but acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the election, stating it’s the members who will determine the outcome.
Other candidates, Johan Eliasch and Morinari Watanabe, refrained from making predictions, with Watanabe simply stating, “I am waiting.” The new IOC president will face critical issues, such as maintaining political neutrality, promoting gender equity, ensuring financial sustainability, and embracing digital transformation, alongside addressing climate change challenges for future Games.
IOC member Martin Fourcade highlighted the necessity for robust leadership, emphasizing that the new president must balance various interests while fostering fairness and sustainability within the Olympic framework. As the vote approaches, candidates are intensifying their efforts to sway undecided members, underscoring the historic significance of this election for the Olympic movement.
The IOC presidential election is poised to be a pivotal moment for the future of the Olympic Movement, characterized by fierce competition and uncertainty. Candidates are making final appeals, and members are weighing their options with high expectations. The election will not only determine the IOC president but also set the stage for addressing critical challenges, including sustainability and equity. Regardless of the outcome, this election is marked as a significant milestone in Olympic history.
Original Source: english.news.cn
