The General Assembly of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), which includes the election of the organisation's new president, is being held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
As reported by İdman.Biz, the General Assembly is taking place at the Congress Center on September 26-27, bringing together representatives of national chess federations from around the world. The election programme began at 09:00 local time on September 26.
Azerbaijan is represented at the event by FIDE Vice President and Azerbaijan Chess Federation President Mahir Mammadov. He is taking part in meetings and discussions held as part of the General Assembly and the election process.
Uzbek Prime Minister and Uzbekistan Chess Federation Chairman Abdulla Aripov also addressed the participants, conveying greetings on behalf of the country's president and highlighting the significance of Samarkand hosting one of the most important events on the international chess calendar.
FIDE Interim President and five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand also addressed the General Assembly. The Indian grandmaster has been serving as interim president of the organisation since July 2026.
Three presidential tickets are contesting the election. Wadim Rosenstein is running with Gordon Tang as his candidate for Deputy President, Jan Henric Buettner with Malcolm Pein, and Timur Turlov with Viswanathan Anand.
According to the official agenda, delegates will first elect the FIDE President and Deputy President on a joint ticket. The General Assembly will also elect four vice presidents, while the newly elected president will nominate three additional vice presidents, as well as candidates for Treasurer and Secretary of the Council.
The presidential election is scheduled for September 26 and will determine FIDE's leadership for the next four years. The General Assembly will continue on September 27, with delegates also discussing the federation's activities, financial matters, the development of chess and other key issues.
Araz Khalilli
