African Federations Crucial in FIDE Presidential Election

On 26 September, approximately two hundred national federations will gather at the General Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, to vote for the next FIDE president. Africa, with 51 of its 54 countries as members, holds significant influence in this election.

Candidates must secure endorsements from multiple federations across all continents to qualify. Timur Turlov, the 38-year-old chief executive of Freedom Holding Corp. and president of the International School Chess Federation, is a leading candidate.

Turlov's organization invests over $15 million annually in chess and has a substantial market capitalization. His main rival, Arkady Dvorkovich, the current president seeking a third term, has been sanctioned by the European Union due to his past role as a Russian deputy prime minister.

Dvorkovich has suspended his powers and is challenging the sanctions, which could impact his candidacy. The election is notable as it features three candidates vying for support from African federations without an incumbent.