157 federations reelect Russian leader

Arkady Dvorkovich remains FIDE President until 2026 with 88% of the vote. Only 16 federations voted for the Russian’s only challenger, the Ukrainian GM Andrii Baryshpolets. Five federations abstained, one vote was invalid. Bachar Kouatly of France withdrew his candidacy just before the vote at the ongoing FIDE Congress in Chennai. In case of being sanctioned, Dvorkovich has pledged to step down. His deputy Vishy Anand would be interim president until new elections take place within six months.